One of Bermuda's leading education officials yesterday called on parents to join the drive to help children read and write.

Languages expert Dr. Norma Hendrickson, a former teacher at Sandys Secondary and headteacher at Prospect Secondary School, spoke about "Education Month'' at the weekly Hamilton Rotary meeting.

And she explained that the month's theme was literacy -- with heads and teachers beginning a push to improve standards in schools.

Education administrator Dr. Hendrickson, urging Bermuda's parents to get involved in school programmes, said: "Why not call the principal and visit the school of your choice today? We would be honoured to have you.'' She said parents were being encouraged to read to their children and listen to their children read on a regular basis.

And she added: "Principals have ensured that the time devoted to reading has been increased.

"Training has been provided to teachers to enhance their skills in the teaching of reading.'' Dr. Hendrickson added that schools were staging read-ins, while there were new tests in place to identify how language skills could be improved.

"Exciting things are happening each day in our schools,'' she said, saying community organisations were donating books to schools, holding literacy forums and helping with job application forms for those with learning difficulties.

Several Education Month events are taking place during the next few days.

They include a students' demonstration for parents at Somerset Preschool between 7 and 8.30 p.m and an Open House at Lyceum Preschool between 9 a.m.

and 12 noon, both tomorrow.

West Pembroke Primary School choir will sing on the steps of City Hall at noon on Friday. And Northlands Primary School hosts a story-telling event on Wednesday, featuring stories from Florenz Maxwell, Ruth Thomas, Dale Butler and Joann Adams.

Southampton Glebe Primary School will have a story book character parade and a senior citizen's tea at the school at 1.30 p.m. next Thursday.

And Primary and Middle School students can take part in a Spelling Bee at the Ruth Seaton James Auditorium from 7 p.m. on Saturday February 27.

EDUCATION ED