The Portage la Prairie School Board discussed the La Verendrye and North Memorial Schools' Summer Program at their meeting last night.

Outreach Facilitator Cori Asham was one of the coordinators of the program. She says after having to combine groups last year because of low numbers, they're happy with the incredible turn around this year.

"Very, very successful. We're thrilled with the numbers, we had 12 kids and 2 parents come out to the La Verendrye School one, and we had up to 49 people coming out to the Summer Program at North Memorial. So we're just thrilled with the numbers."

Out of nine kids tested at the end of the program, four stayed at the same reading level while six improved as much as three levels. Asham feels an early start in July was key.

"Absolutely. Last year we ran it in August, which I think is the reason why we didn't get a lot of people out. Whereas when we started right after school started we got a quite a few people out. Just continuing with routine for the kids makes the transition easier."

Sharon Gabriel's daughter was one of those that increased her reading ability over the program. She explains how they encouraged her kids to read more.

"They always liked reading, but what got them to really wanting to was when we were at the program they had a chart that the kids would put stickers on. They actually ran out of room," she laughs. "They'd get a prize or another book after, and it made them want to read more."

Out of three students tested at La Verendrye, two remained at the same reading level, while one improved one level.