Students at Priority Elementary Schools Can "Shop" for Free Books at Governor's Early Literacy Foundation's Opportunities with Literacy (OWL) Fest in September
- Students and teachers will have the opportunity to select 6-8 high-quality, high-interest books to take home at no cost
- Over 10,000 students, teachers, and reading specialists will receive over 80,000 books through OWL Fest
- None.
Pre-K through 5th grade students and teachers at Priority elementary schools in
In collaboration with Scholastic, Pre-K through 5th grade students will be able to select 6-8 high-quality, high-interest books to take home, and teachers will be able to order resources to support their classroom. Through OWL Fest, more than 10,000 students, teachers and reading specialists will receive over 80,000 books, at no cost.
Only
Additionally, research from the Scholastic Kids & Family Reading Report™: 8th Edition shows the majority of kids (
OWL Fest is a part of GELF's K-3 Home Library program, which aims to build home libraries and combat learning loss by delivering books to the homes of students and teachers each summer. In 2023, the program delivered 1.2 million books to more than 200,000 students, teachers, librarians and media specialists statewide, including Priority schools.
"Our goal is to promote a culture of reading in
"Teaching children how to read, and how to read well, is one of the most important things we can do to set them up for success in their education, in college and career, and in life," said Lizzette Reynolds, Commissioner of Education. "Thanks to our partners at GELF, students across the state have access to free books through OWL Fest to help them become strong readers."
"Scholastic is proud to continue the critical work with GELF to ensure children have access to books that they are excited about reading this school year and beyond," said Amanda Alexander, Chief Academic Officer at Scholastic. "Research from the Kids & Family Reading Report also tells us that more than half of kids (
When brainstorming ways to support Priority schools, GELF sought out ideas and feedback from school district leaders.
"Literacy is life and the bedrock to all other subjects," said Dr. Thomas Rogers, Assistant Superintendent of
"We have a tremendous famine in our country," said Dr. Terrence D. Brittenum, iZone Instructional Leadership Director (ILD) - Zone 10 of
OWL Fest is supported by federal funding to promote literacy in Priority schools designated by TDOE for the 2021-2022 school year, including schools in
Achievement School District
Memphis Scholars Caldwell-Guthrie
Cornerstone Prep Lester Campus
Journey Coleman School
Orchard Knob Elementary
Hardy Elementary School
Calvin Donaldson Environmental Science Academy
Hamilton County Virtual School
Jackson Career Technology Magnet
Lincoln Elementary School
Green Magnet Math And Science Academy
Maynard Elementary
Metro-
Bellshire Elementary
Ida B. Wells Elementary
Tom Joy Elementary
Jones Elementary
Cummings Elementary/Middle
Hamilton School
Memphis Delta Prep
Freedom Prep - Westwood
Geeter School
Riverview Elementary/Middle
Arrow Academy of Excellence
Alcy Elementary
Larose Elementary
Frayser-Corning Elementary
Georgian Hills Elementary School
Whitney Elementary School
Granville T. Woods Academy of Innovation
Memphis Scholars South Campus
Hanley Elementary
For more information, follow @GovEarlyLiteracyTN or visit GovernorsFoundation.org.
About GELF
Governor's Early Literacy Foundation (GELF) equips
About Scholastic
For more than 100 years, Scholastic Corporation (NASDAQ: SCHL) has been encouraging the personal and intellectual growth of all children, beginning with literacy. Having earned a reputation as a trusted partner to educators and families, Scholastic is the world's largest publisher and distributor of children's books, a leading provider of literacy curriculum, professional services, and classroom magazines, and a producer of educational and entertaining children's media. The Company creates and distributes bestselling books and e-books, print and technology-based learning programs for pre-K to grade 12, and other products and services that support children's learning and literacy, both in school and at home. With 15 international operations and exports to 165 countries, Scholastic makes quality, affordable books available to all children around the world through school-based book clubs and book fairs, classroom libraries, school and public libraries, retail, and online. Learn more at www.scholastic.com.
Contact: Claire Jones
Claire.jones@tn.gov
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SOURCE Governor’s Early Literacy Foundation