WEST HARTFORD, CT — Area schoolchildren will soon have a place to improve their reading skills and, possibly, form a new, positive habit following a vote this week by local zoning officials.
The West Hartford Plan and Zoning Commission unanimously voted 5-0 to approve a special use permit allowing for the opening of The Book Club, a private, supplemental reading school that will open on LaSalle Road.
Educator Heather Moran is the owner of The Book Club LLC and the school would operate at 76 LaSalle Road.
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According to Moran’s business plan, which was submitted to the PZC, the goal of her school is “to provide an enriching program that goes beyond the confines of traditional school-based reading programs.”
Those utilizing The Book Club’s services would participate in 45-minute to an-hour class sessions in student groups of 12-15 children.
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Programming would be specifically for preschoolers to upper elementary school pupils.
According to Moran, her curriculum would focus as much on instilling a love of reading as well as simply seeking standardized reading levels.
“The Book Club addresses the limitations of in-school reading programs that are often standards-based and assessment-driven, leaving little room for igniting a true love of reading and engagement in rich discussions,” she said in her business plan.
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“By offering a fun and interactive alternative, we aim to help children spark an interest in reading that lasts a lifetime.”
She said students would undertake an eight-week program with drop-in classes and special events.
“We provide flexible options for busy parents and caregivers, making it easy for them to incorporate enriching reading activities into their children’s lives,” she wrote.
Moran has been an educator for 15 years, with a master’s degree and experience as a curriculum creator.
Her school floor layout would feature a waiting area, a small office/reception area, and two reading classrooms — one for younger students and one for older ones.
The PZC approved the special permit with standard conditions centering on the site’s location, ingress/egress as well as parking and the loading/unloading of pupils.
For the minutes of the Oct. 7 West Hartford Plan & Zoning Commission meeting, click on this link.
For Heather Moran’s business plan for The Book Club LLC, click on this link.
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