A U.S. Department of Education study has found that, generally, the more students read on their own time, the higher their reading scores. Recently, First Student Driver Perry May from Location #20751 in Champlin, Minnesota established a reading program for children who ride his bus. Perry donates $1 dollar for every book a student reads to the Cedar Island Elementary School’s Parent Teacher Association (PTA). The school is part of the Osseo Area School District and, since 2007, the Location has provided transportation for more than 50,000 students. “The program helps students become better readers by encouraging them to read more and helps me with student management at the same time.” stated Perry Since the program started, more than 18 students, kindergarten through third-grade, have participated in the program. Several kindergarten students have partnered with second and third-grade students to help them sound out words while reading their books. Last month, Perry donated $59 dollars to the PTA as a result of the student’s reading. “Perry is a dedicated driver who found a really creative, “outside the box.” way to build upon the students’ education outside of the classroom,” said Location Manager Dave Erickson. “His reading program creates a peaceful and educational environment for all students who ride his bus.” A U.S. Department of Education study has found that, generally, the more students read on their own time, the higher their reading scores. Recently, First Student Driver Perry May from Location #20751 in Champlin, Minnesota established a reading program for children who ride his bus. Perry donates $1 dollar for every book a student reads to the Cedar Island Elementary School’s Parent Teacher Association (PTA). The school is part of the Osseo Area School District and, since 2007, the Location has provided transportation for more than 50,000 students. “The program helps students become better readers by encouraging them to read more and helps me with student management at the same time.” stated Perry Since the program started, more than 18 students, kindergarten through third-grade, have participated in the program. Several kindergarten students have partnered with second and third-grade students to help them sound out words while reading their books. Last month, Perry donated $59 dollars to the PTA as a result of the student’s reading. “Perry is a dedicated driver who found a really creative, “outside the box.” way to build upon the students’ education outside of the classroom,” said Location Manager Dave Erickson. “His reading program creates a peaceful and educational environment for all students who ride his bus.”