JEFF ROBERTSON
Contributor
For more than a decade, the South Pittsburg Rotary Club has proudly participated in The Dictionary Project, a nationwide literacy initiative that engages local organizations to acquire and donate dictionaries to third-grade students. This fall, the Club continued its tradition by distributing dictionaries to students at South Pittsburg Elementary, Jasper Elementary, Whitwell Elementary, and Richard Hardy Memorial School. Over the years, the Rotary Club has donated well over 3000 dictionaries to Marion County third graders.
The Dictionary Project, founded in 1995 by Mary French in Charleston, South Carolina, aims to promote literacy by equipping students with their own personal dictionaries. The organization believes third grade marks a pivotal transition from “learning to read” to “reading to learn,” making it the ideal time to introduce students to this essential resource.
Locally, the South Pittsburg Rotary Club acquires the dictionaries and coordinates their delivery with the help of Interact Club students from Marion County High School, South Pittsburg High School, and Whitwell High School. These high school Interactors personally present the books to third graders, fostering a sense of community and mentorship between older and younger students. The Interact Students attach a sticker of the “Rotary Four Way Test” inside each book to help the younger students think of ways to improve decisions and relationships with peers.
Candace Powers, Principal at South Pittsburg Elementary School, shared the impact of the program:
“Our students in third grade look forward to this. They know this is the year they will receive their own dictionary to use at school and then to take home. Some of our students have few if any books at their homes, so this is special to them. We appreciate the Rotary Club purchasing these texts and contributing to South Pittsburg Elementary each year as well as the SPHS Interact Club for delivering them.”
According to The Dictionary Project, there are two key concepts for getting books to third grade students. First, the dictionaries serve not only as tools for spelling and vocabulary but also as gateways to critical thinking and independent learning. Secondly, the simple act of looking up a word builds confidence and problem-solving skills that digital tools cannot replicate.
The South Pittsburg Rotary Club’s continued involvement in this initiative reflects its broader commitment to youth development and education. By partnering with local schools and student organizations, the Club helps ensure that every child has access to the resources they need to succeed. Contact South Pittsburg Rotary at sptnrotaryclub@gmail.com to learn more or get involved.