Our Literature Collection

Funded Sep 19, 2024

First, I want to express my sincere gratitude for the books you donated to our classroom. After receiving them, students immediately asked me if they could grab a book to read (which I, of course, was happy to lend them). I even started having former students and students from other classes stop by to check out materials. The impact your generosity has had on my students cannot be overstated.

After receiving over 100 books for my students, I was able to secure a simple but lovely bookshelf for the donation. This has added such character to the room that one student said to me "I'm just glad I don't have to stare at the white walls all day." But beyond pure aesthetics, I believe being surrounded by books makes a statement to students that reading is highly valued by Kenwood Academy and me. Whenever I see classrooms filled with books, I am reminded of the story that while writing Paradise Lost, John Milton would have a bible open in front of him, as if this was having a profound influence over his composition. Similarly, I believe that being surrounded by novels helps positively influence our students and helps instill in them a love and desire to read literature.

As mentioned in my donation request, the curriculum I am teaching this year is relatively devoid of literature. We will only read one book this year, as well as several articles and essays. I believe this is potentially detrimental to students, and I stand by my assertion that students need to consume a variety of texts every year, which includes various forms of literature. As an English educator, I want to ensure that all my students have access to a variety of high-interest literature that will help them develop a love of reading.

My students are without a doubt excited to begin our independent reading session, which we will begin once we return for our second semester on January 22nd. I already have a few students engaged in their own "mini" book clubs, which has been a lot of fun to witness and has given me hope that all my students will find our independent reading enriching.

Thank you again for your generous donation. I was in tears when I saw that we achieved our goal, and that is a moment I will not soon forget.”

With gratitude,

Mr. Coats