Lee County Judge Promotes Literacy at St. Anne School Visit

A Lee County judge is set to promote early literacy at St. Anne Catholic School in Dixon, Illinois, on February 12, 2024. Jacquelyn D. Ackert, a Circuit Judge for Lee County, will read to students as part of the statewide initiative known as “Judges go to School Day,” organized by the Illinois Judges Association (IJA). This program aims to enhance reading comprehension among young learners, particularly those in grades kindergarten to fourth.

The visit coincides with the birthday of former President Abraham Lincoln, and Judge Ackert will share the story “Abe Lincoln’s Hat” by Martha Brenner. The book highlights Lincoln’s unique practice of storing letters and court notes in his iconic top hat. During this event, St. Anne Catholic School will also receive a copy of the book for its library, funded by a grant from the Illinois Judges Foundation.

The initiative responds to findings by the Annie E. Casey Foundation, which revealed that a significant number of fourth-grade students from low-income backgrounds are reading below grade level. Mary Schostok, an Illinois Appellate Court Justice and former IJA president, emphasized the importance of improving literacy, stating, “Too many school children are not reading at grade level. This reading deficiency affects student learning and contributes to the high school dropout rate.”

The IJA’s reading program is designed to inspire young students to appreciate literature while also learning about history and the judicial system directly from a sitting judge. Schostok explained, “Our reading project is one small step which we hope will inspire young students to appreciate the value of books.”

In addition to this literacy initiative, the IJA has undertaken numerous community programs addressing issues such as drinking and driving, drug use, and cyberbullying. The organization consists of approximately 1,250 active and retired judges and aims to foster public confidence in the independence of the justice system while providing services and educational resources to its members.

As Judge Ackert engages with the students at St. Anne Catholic School, the focus will remain on the critical role of early literacy in shaping future academic success and reducing dropout rates. This visit not only highlights the efforts of the judiciary to connect with the community but also reinforces the belief that improving literacy is essential for the future of students in Illinois.