On December 9, Scholastic joined Cleveland County Schools in North Carolina to kick-off a community driven reading partnership called Partners Aligned for Literacy Success team (PALS). Scholastic author and N.C. resident Lester Laminack supported this important initiative and addressed parents and educators in attendance.
“The parent core in attendance received a hearty blend of effective read aloud techniques and phonemic awareness strategies,” said Tamara Goforth, executive director of elementary education. “We are so very pleased with how well-attended the event was and the engaging nature how literacy was presented to our at-home difference makers. I believe this experience provided a solid cornerstone in the foundation of our strategic literacy advancements.”
PALS was created to engage community partners in supporting kids’ literacy journeys and increasing access to high-quality books. This initiative is significant given that data from the Scholastic Teacher & Principal School Report shows that 96% of teachers, principals and school librarians agree that providing year-round access to books at home is crucial to enhancing student achievement.
Through the program, community stakeholders are invited to classrooms to read with kids, help students with their reading progress and build community engagement within local elementary schools. Additionally, partners can create book nooks, complete with new Scholastic titles, in their businesses and have the option to choose from other sponsorship opportunities that provide classrooms or districts enough books for students to take home and build their own library.
“Through Scholastic’s continued support, partnership, and dedication to literacy, Cleveland County Schools and our various literacy initiatives are set to drive student growth,” said Dr. Stephen Fisher, superintendent of Cleveland County Schools. “With this unique partnership, the best is yet to come.”
To stay up to date on similar partnerships, follow @ScholasticEd on Twitter and visit the Scholastic Education Solutions homepage!
