For 20 years, Gilbert Elementary School teacher Leslee Milch has read to her students at the park during the summer.
Her first year, when it was getting close to summer break and she was saying goodbye to her first graders for the summer, a student asked, “But who will read to us?”
That is how it all started and continues today; however, the simple reading program has grown, with others in the community getting involved.
The Buena Park Library District got involved, along with two local car dealerships that provided pizza and ice cream and Giving Children Hope provides fresh fruits and vegetables. The Buena Park Woman’s Club donates books, bubbles and sidewalk chalk.
It all began by her taking a chair, a bag of books and a healthy snack one afternoon a week during the summer to read to the children at the park next to her school.
“I read to them, talk about school, sing songs and review basic skills and spend time talking to the parents about how to help keep their children on track during the summer months,” she said. “Through the years, children of all ages have come to the park; even former students and their children come to hear the stories.”
Milch said sometimes a few children show up and other times 40 or more children come to hear stories.
“I want to thank all of the people who believed in me and encouraged me to go back to school; it’s about the children and making a difference in their lives,” said Milch. “This is my calling and it’s what I love to do. Someone told me that it sounded like I had found a home and I have.”
Milch said though she lives in Huntington Beach, her heart is in Buena Park.
Milch said transitioning back to school is made easier if a teacher never loses the connection with her students during the summer. “Teachers know this; many parents ensure this happens by taking their children to the library, museums or summer academic programs,” she said. “But where I teach, families at my school don’t have the resources to take advantage of these options and many don’t speak English; they rely on public transportation or don’t know what to do to help their children. As teachers, we know that parents talking to their children about back to school routines and early bedtimes can make all the difference in the world and as teachers, we share with our families at back-to-school nights or through newsletters. We know this communication and the tone we set for open communication with families can build a foundation of trust to help them work with us as a team. This ensures a successful year for everyone,” Milch said.
Milch shared that a few summers ago, her program grew to 100 children, with families bringing children from other local schools. And the FBI, through its community outreach program, donated books for her summer program and some local groups have partnered with her to make an even greater impact on the children’s lives.
The Buena Park Library District also brings library books to the park for children to check out, take home and read and earn prizes.
The story goes on, with more and more people, companies and organizations getting involved for the good of the children and the community.
CAPOC and Successful Families for Buena Park conducts nutrition and Zumba classes for parents while children are being read to.
Some of the other partners include Girl Scouts, Help Me Grow, Orange County Department of Education, the Buena Park Police Chief and his captains, Buena Park Mayors, BPSD Superintendents and School Board Members, BPSD Education Foundation, Shelley BMW, Premier Chevrolet, Rotary and BP Woman’s Club and many more.
