Barley’s presentation focused on the importance of early literacy and its impact on long-term student outcomes. The Superintendent emphasized that students who read proficiently by elementary school are more likely to attend college, find stable careers and avoid involvement in the criminal justice system. Photo courtesy of Kiwanis Club of Dixon

DIXON, CA (MPG) - The Kiwanis Club of Dixon hosted an open house the night of Monday, Sept. 8 at the Joystick Gaming Lounge, drawing 23 attendees, including seven prospective new members, for a community-focused discussion on local education and youth literacy.

According to Kiwanis Club President Michel Liu, the event’s goal was to host an open discussion about reading scores, assessment plans and the future of youth in Dixon.

“The main focus is on literacy and programs being put into place at the Dixon schools to address the low level of students who are at or above the proficiency levels for their grades,” said Liu. “The main theme was that, because of the pandemic, students across the country suffered in reading scores and they're putting into place this year a program to assess and address reading capabilities.” 

Held from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Sept. 8 at Joystick, 420 Gateway Drive, Suite C, the event featured appetizers provided by the newly opened Mountain Mike’s Pizza and refreshments courtesy of the venue. Attendees were welcomed with pizza, chicken wings and a chocolate chip cookie pizza.

Kiwanis Club, helmed by Michel Liu (right) intends to collaborate with Dixon Unified School District (DUSD) to address the lingering impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on student literacy. Photo courtesy of Kiwanis Club of Dixon

The keynote speaker for the open house was Dixon Unified School District Superintendent Brett Barley, who spoke on the importance of early literacy and its impact on long-term student outcomes.

“We talked about early literacy, specifically the state of early literacy across Dixon, across California, and across the country,” said Barley “It’s one of the most important things kids learn in school.”

Barley emphasized that students who read proficiently by elementary school are more likely to attend college, find stable careers and avoid involvement in the criminal justice system.

“When we look at later life outcomes, strong reading skills lead to long-term success,” said Barley.

The Kiwanis Club highlighted its current and planned initiatives in collaboration with Dixon Unified School District to address the lingering impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on student literacy. According to Liu, the school district has assessed more than 1,100 students across all grade levels and is implementing targeted tutoring based on those assessments, which are reviewed every six weeks.

“There’s a significant gap in reading proficiency, especially among minority and economically disadvantaged students,” said Liu. “The district is engaging the community to help address this and we’re ready to support them.”

The Kiwanis Club of Dixon hosted an open house on Monday, Sept. 8 at the Joystick Gaming Lounge. The event drew 23 attendees, including seven prospective new members, and included keynote speaker Superintendent Brett Barley. Photo courtesy of Kiwanis Club of Dixon

Programs currently in place include Key Club volunteers from Dixon High School who assist with reading tutoring on Mondays. Additional plans include placing book vending machines in elementary schools, funded through a multi-year grant initiative.

“Our volunteers also plan to begin reading with students at Gretchen Higgins Elementary this year,” said Patti Sousa-Liu, a club member and Michel Liu’s wife.

Lieutenant Governor David Arnold attended the meeting in support of the club’s efforts.

Future Kiwanis Club events include participation in National Night Out on Oct. 1 at Northwest Park and continued monthly meetings at Joystick, now the club’s regular venue. The Kiwanis Club will have a table set up in Northwest Park from 6 to 8 p.m. Oct. 1. The event, sponsored by Paul Anderson, aims to bring the local community together for a night of celebration. Liu and Sousa-Liu encourage other local nonprofit organizations to join in.

Moving forward, Liu and Sousa-Liu, alongside the club, intend to continue supporting the needs of all Dixonites from the ground up.

“We’re the only nonprofit that does leadership training at every level,” said Sousa-Liu. “That’s how we build a successful future, by helping children grow into strong adults.”

The Kiwanis Club of Dixon meets at 6 p.m. the fourth Monday of every month at Joystick Gaming Lounge.

For more information, visit the Kiwanis Club of Dixon CA Facebook page or call 707-635-3303.