Raising Relevance Through Reading

Funded Oct 21, 2021

Words cannot adequately express how grateful our students are for your generosity. When the school year began, for many of our students, it was the first time they had an opportunity to see their teachers and peers in person in nearly two years. While we learned many wonderful new things through the use of technology during COVID shutdowns, we lost out on ever-important human interactions and the ability to engage in a hands-on way with learning materials. Screens replaced everything, and as a result, demolished authentic engagement in learning. When we returned in person, students practically begged to get their hands on physical copies of text, and they yearned to share their thoughts, feelings, and ideas about the very real issues going on in the world. We were elated to have these requests pouring in, but discouraged by what our school library had to offer.

Reading is a challenge for so many of our students. Language and learning differences, inequitable access to high-quality texts, trauma, and poverty are just some of the reasons why our students do not enter our school at the level they are "supposed to" be at. Getting students not only to read, but to love what they are reading, is a lofty ambition. So when our students started making book suggestions and asking us if we could get our hands on certain titles, we wanted to do everything we could to grant that wish. YOU and your donations made that dream possible for us.

The books that you purchased for us cover the state standards that we are required to teach. Some are suggested as part of our scope and sequence, while others were added to the wish list by students themselves. All of them touch upon very real and relevant issues, dreams, and possibilities that are familiar to the students we serve. Representation matters, but it was something our library lacked until we received this incredible donation from you. Since the books arrived, we have seen a sharp increase in engagement with literature, involvement in civic and social justice issues, and critical thought. For perhaps the first time in their academic journey, our students have crisp, brand new texts written about topics that are meaningful to them. Your donation showed our students that in a world that hasn't always been so kind to them, there are people out there who really do care. From the bottom of their hearts and mine, we thank you for giving us this tremendous gift.”

With gratitude,

Mrs. Santon