Walker Elementary gets $1,000 grant to support Read Across America

Walker Elementary School in Mira Mesa has been awarded a $1,000 Read Across America 2014 Event Grant from the National Education Association (NEA) and Renaissance Dental.

The funds will be used to support the Read Across America activities, including the purchase of new books for the school library, as well as funding a student VIP luncheon, t-shirts and Dr. Seuss-themed bookmarks, pencils and other items.

The Read-a-Thon ran Jan. 27 to Feb. 7, part of  Walker’s Read Across America activities. Students at each grade level who read “above and beyond their reading goals” are selected as Student VIPs. On Feb. 26, several community leaders and children’s book authors are visiting classrooms to read books and to talk about how their careers involve literacy. Walker Elementary School’s Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) volunteers are helping with many of the month-long activities. The school’s Author, Illustrators, and Journalists (AIJ) Academy students are creating a “Read Across America” newsletter and simulated newscast.

Other activities include a Barnes and Noble Booksellers Family Night Fundraiser filled with fun activities and includes book signings with children’s book authors Salina Yoon, Randy Morrison, Shannon Messenger, Cindy Jenson-Elliott, and Henry Herz. Walker’s Student Council has organized a week-long of fun events at the end of February.

"We are extending our school’s participation in The Great Kindness Challenge by having families donate a pie-throwing ticket for students who are unable to afford a ticket," said Principal Rochelle Dawes. "On March 3, the official Read Across America day, we have a school assembly with “Literature Comes to Life” which includes our students and staff."

The Read Across America Committee consists of PTO (Brandi Scholte, Lauree Gammon, and other parent volunteers) and Walker Teachers Grace Nall, Karen Harris, Michel Cazary, Dar Cooper, Sharon Laws, and staff. Walker Elementary School thanks the NEA, Renaissance Dental, CTA, SDEA, Walker PTO, Barnes and Noble, Mission Federal Credit Union, community restaurant businesses, leaders, and partners for their support and encouragement in the celebration of Dr. Seuss’ Birthday and the love of literacy.