Last month, Scholastic collaborated with the National Alliance of Black School Educators Foundation (NABSEF) to supply a grade-level classroom makeover at Thurgood Marshall Elementary School in Morrow, Georgia.
At Scholastic, we believe that a diverse classroom library is critical in providing students with high-interest, culturally relevant books that give context to today’s world while celebrating the stories of the historically underrepresented.
As part of this makeover, Scholastic representatives transformed the classroom library of a first-year teacher to increase student’s access to diverse books. The donation included more than 900 books, with the Our Rising Voices collection as the anchor of the celebration. Along with these titles, the makeover included new teaching resources, bookcases, and a reading space complete with bean bag chairs and rugs. Inspirational posters were framed and hung, and the educator received a professional learning library to support their teaching journey.
Following the makeover, Scholastic gave a donation to the entire school! This included:
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Each classroom teacher received a grade-level collection and a professional book
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The counseling staff was gifted the Byron V. Garrett Life and Literacy Skills Library (K–5 complete collection)
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The resource room received the Our Stories Decodables (K–5)
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Every student was given a grade-specific take-home book
The heart of any classroom is its library. With high-quality books that reflect diverse experiences, a classroom library has the power to broaden the perspectives of all children. The Scholastic Kids & Family Reading Report™ says that nearly three-quarters (73%) of all parents say that public libraries should include books with characters of varied racial identities, ethnic backgrounds, and a range of life experiences. That is the vision behind the classroom makeover—to transform a classroom library with culturally relevant books that celebrate all people.
NABSEF supports educational, scientific, and charitable programs. By partnering with organizations like Scholastic, NABSEF helps to enhance educational opportunities and resources for students and educators.
Special thanks to the Scholastic Reading Squad: Tai Chapman, Lynn O'Hara, Keitrevia Mitchell, and Dawn Anderson!
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