Lee County Judge Promotes Literacy at St. Anne School Visit

A judge from Lee County will engage with students at St. Anne Catholic School in Dixon on February 12 as part of a significant initiative aimed at enhancing early literacy among children. Jacquelyn D. Ackert, a Circuit Judge in Lee County, is participating in the Illinois Judges Association’s program titled “Judges Go to School Day.” This initiative coincides with the birthday of former President Abraham Lincoln, making the visit even more meaningful for the students.

During her visit, Judge Ackert will read “Abe Lincoln’s Hat,” authored by Martha Brenner. The children’s book explores Lincoln’s unique practice of storing letters and court notes in his iconic top hat. This event specifically targets students from kindergarten through fourth grade, aiming to foster their appreciation for reading and history.

The program was developed in response to findings from surveys conducted by the Annie E. Casey Foundation, which revealed that a significant portion of low-income fourth-grade students struggle with reading at grade level. The research highlights a direct correlation between reading proficiency by the end of third grade and the likelihood of high school graduation.

“Too many school children are not reading at grade level. This reading deficiency affects student learning and contributes to the high school dropout rate,” stated Mary Schostok, Justice of the Illinois Appellate Court and former president of the IJA. She emphasized the importance of this program in addressing literacy challenges faced by young learners.

In addition to the reading session, St. Anne Catholic School will receive a copy of the book for its library, funded through a grant from the Illinois Judges Foundation. “Our reading project is one small step which we hope will inspire young students to appreciate the value of books as they learn a little about history and our system of justice directly from a sitting judge,” Schostok added.

The reading program is part of a broader array of community initiatives undertaken by the IJA, which also addresses issues such as impaired driving, substance abuse, and cyberbullying. The IJA, comprising over 1,250 active and retired judges, aims to bolster public confidence in the judicial system while providing educational resources for its members and the public.

This initiative not only highlights the commitment of judges to promote literacy but also underscores the vital role of community engagement in addressing educational disparities. As the program continues to expand, it seeks to inspire a new generation of readers and informed citizens.