We stringently adhere to State and CDC mandates on sanitation and social distancing for youth programming in our Humane Ed classroom and in our Adoption Center. Please note that we follow RSU 21's learning model - if our local school district switches to remote learning only, all in-person youth programs at AWS, including Rescue Readers, will be cancelled. 

Rescue Readers brings together elementary/middle school students and AWS resident pets for a half hour of literary-based confidence building. Reading aloud forms a special bond between student and pet. It provides enrichment and positive socialization for the animal, it boosts confidence in children, and it gives students a safe space to build a positive association with reading. Students have access to special reading materials and receive reading comprehension guidance from our Humane Educator, as needed. Students are also welcome to bring their own reading materials.

Rescue Readers is free to attend. Donations to support the program - and all Humane Education programming - are welcomed and appreciated. Thank you!

Due to social distancing requirements inside the AWS Adoption Center, Rescue Readers is no longer a drop in program. Readers must register in advance for no more than one half-hour session per week. Readers (and their waiting parent/guardians/siblings) must be prepared to wear face coverings and maintain social distancing from other readers and adopters while inside the Adoption Center.

The registration form for the week's Thursday's sessions opens up on Sundays at noon.