Story by Brian Rutman

Reading, Writing and Patriotism

Nationwide there is a growing understanding that kids who are motivated to read and write are more likely to have stronger reading and writing skills. Research shows students who read and write recreationally do better on tests of reading and writing ability.

Metro Tech teachers and instructors encourage their students to read and write on their own, outside of school. Teachers constantly search for creative methods to motivate students to participate in recreational reading and writing activities.

Spencer Cluff, an Air Force veteran and teacher at Metro Tech, created a program that encourages and motivates students to write on their own and at the same time allows the students to develop a spirit of patriotism and pride in the United States armed forces.

Through “Operation Kids 4 Troops” secondary students wrote letters to troops stationed in Iraq offering support and encouragement and to wish the troops well over the holidays. The students were asked to address the letters “Dear Service Member” to ensure that the letters could be given to anyone serving in Iraq.

Cluff started the letter-writing campaign with students in his Metro Tech class. Cluff then asked superintendents in several other school districts if their students would be interested in participating in the letter-writing campaign. Within days, students from seven school districts had written letters to the soldiers.

Within a month, students from twelve school districts, along with students and adults from across the country, had sent letters for Cluff to distribute to soldiers. Students, who had never written a letter in their lives, sent letters to the troops. Many students attached news clippings, pictures, ribbons or gifts to personalize the “Dear Service Member” letters.

Once Cluff received the letters, he boxed and mailed them on to his friend, Lt. Mathew Stephens, stationed in Iraq. Lt. Stephens would then hand them out to every soldier he met.

Today, what started as a small letter-writing campaign between one classroom and one military unit has transformed into a nationwide letter-writing campaign that has sent more than 18,000 letters to frontline troops in all branches of the military. The campaign has garnered local and national media attention as well as phone calls, letters of support and accolades from government officials.

On Feb. 28th, Lieutenant Governor Mary Fallin awarded Metro Tech a citation of commendation for its support and participation in “Operation Kids 4 Troops.” The citation commended Metro Tech’s faculty and staff for devoting time and effort to the project and for teaching students to appreciate and honor the sacrifices made by America’s armed forces.

Through “Operation Kids 4 Troops” students are encouraged and motivated to participate in recreational writing and at the same time develop a spirit of patriotism and pride in the United States armed forces. Metro Tech believes that these opportunities not only benefit the students in the classroom, but also enrich their lives.