The ability to read is a powerful tool. It is a gateway to knowledge, a window into human experience, and as fifth graders at the Mary's Nativity Shool in Flushing are finding, it is a bridge of understanding that can connect generations. ROAR (Reach Out and Read) is a pilot program that will host a monthly reading night for students and seniors.

In preparation for the first meeting, students designed invitations to send to elderly friends, neighbors, and family members. Each child is allowed two guests. Members of the Kissena Parks Civic Association, of which school librarian Mary Hogan is president, also attend.

Every month a different book will be featured for reading within small groups and open discussion by all present afterward.

Principal Elieen Ogoff has carefully chosen stories that reflect cultural diversity , often drawing on fold tales from different cultures, in the interest of fostering intergenerational and cultural understanding, while instilling a love of reading.

The program is part of Newsday's FutureCorps, an initiatiove involving thousands of Queens and Long Island students in community-enriching activities.

"Everyone should learn how to read. It gives you a good future," said fifth grader Joseph Farhamand.

According to Ogoff, many Asian students will also enjoy an interaction with the elderly, something they miss, as their own grandparents do not live in this country.

Opening the Mary's Nativity library to the community and reaching out to seniors are ROAR's primary goals."Sometimes they (senior citizens) get lonely," said Bianca Francois. "When you read to them they feel like someone cares for them."

Students like Joseph Liu see not only an opportunity to learn from books, but also from the experience of an older generation. "We can learn more about them, learn about what kinds of books they like," said Jospeh.

"It's important," said fifth grader Courtney Farrell. "It gets children together with their parents and grandparents if they don't have time to spend together."

Each meeting will also be an international dessert night, with attendees encouraged to bring a desert unique to a specific culture. The delicacies will be served at the end of the evening while guests discuss the chosen story.