8th Grade Diverse Classroom Library

Funded Jun 7, 2022

First and foremost, I want to express my sincere appreciation for all of you who donated to my classroom library. Books are a way to the soul; children are able to see themselves in the books they read and also see others who are different than them. Books help us explain and understand situations we may go through, and also provide us with valuable life lessons we may not otherwise learn. The money you donated to my classroom library has allowed me to obtain these books for my students and connect with them on a deeper level.

At the beginning of the school year, I implemented sustained silent reading at the beginning of every class. With silent reading, students are able to choose a book that speaks to them and spend 15 minutes exploring it. After 15 minutes, if a student wants to take the book with them to check out, they are allowed to do so. Your donation has helped over 60+ students connect with literature and with their peers. Students often recommend their favorite books to other students, creating a long line for certain texts.

To put it simply, you have helped me create a community of readers who value books and look forward to reading. I could not have made and cultivated this space without you. Thank you for seeing the importance of reading and helping me obtain diverse books for my students to enjoy. I truly appreciate each and every one of you!”

With gratitude,

Ms. Apato