SSM Health and the Janesville Jets Hockey Club believe literacy is vital for a student’s success in their educational journey throughout life. To encourage kids in Rock County to develop an early love for reading, the health system and Jets hockey players collaborate on a Reading Club program for public, private, and home-schooled students.
 
“Literacy is key to so many aspects of life, including having access to - and understanding - health care services as an adult,” said SSM Health Community Health Director Megan Timm. “We love partnering with the Jets on this cause.”
 
As part of the Janesville Jets Reading Club, kindergarten through eighth grade students track their reading progress during the first half of the school year. Then, just after New Year, the Jets hockey players and SSM Health representatives visit participating classrooms to read age-appropriate books and offer club rewards to encourage students to continue to read throughout the year.
 
When students complete their hockey-themed reading sheet and have “scored a goal,” they earn four free tickets for their family to attend the SSM Health Janesville Jets Reading Club game night. During game night, families are encouraged to enjoy time together reading. The kids receive literacy-themed giveaways, educational items from the SSM Health Community Health team and a chance to be selected for a Zamboni ride on the ice rink.