Monday's Grants: Laura Bush Foundation Grant- Deadline 12/31/11

Laura Bush Foundation (LBF) Grant

Deadline: 12/31/11

Amount: Up to $6,000 to update school library book collections

The purpose of this grant is to provide books and reading materials to the school libraries and students that most need them to promote a love of reading.

Only schools where a minimum of 50% of the student body qualify for the Free or Reduced Lunch (FRL) program are eligible to apply however, LBF gives selection preference to schools in which 90% or more of the students receive free or reduced lunches and are likely to have the fewest books and reading materials at home.

To apply, please visit: http://laurabushfoundation.unt.edu/

Phanatical about reading

I love learning about programs that encourage reading and education!  The News journal recently highlighted the "Phillies Be a Phanatic About Reading program" in which two Delaware students were honored for being the "most outstanding" or "most improved" readers in the program.  Congratulations!  To read this article, go to News Journal.

 According to the MLB Phillies Website:

The program is divided into two levels: one for children in grades K through 3 and the other for grades 4 through 8. Children will be asked to spend a minimum of 15 minutes a day reading whatever book they select. Younger children will be given Phanatic coloring sheets to color in once they have attained their goal while older children will be asked to record the book they read and write a few sentences on their favorite part of the book.

The Phillie Phanatic will make a special visit to the top performing schools. To qualify for a Phanatic visit, children will report their progress to their teachers who in turn will tell the Phillies how the children have done in their reading endeavors. From that progress report, schools will be selected for a school visit.

One of the teachers' testimonials was:

This program has been terrific for reluctant readers. It has been especially rewarding for students that were not motivated readers. It has been rewarding to watch these young readers become more fluent readers.

How great is that!  To learn more about this program, check out Phanatic About Reading Program