To celebrate the power of literacy achievement, today, Scholastic, in collaboration with the Great City Schools (CGCS), a coalition of 78 of the nation’s largest urban public school systems, announced Portland Public Schools (PPS) as the winner of the Richard M. Robinson Literacy Champion Award. Created and named in honor of the late Scholastic Chairman and CEO, Richard (Dick) Robinson, this award recognizes a PPS member school district for demonstrated progress in advancing reading achievement.
As the Richard M. Robinson Literacy Champion Award-winner, Portland Public Schools has selected its very own Jason Lee Elementary School to receive the grand prize, which is designed to help increase book access and create a lasting culture of literacy.
As part of the library makeover, Scholastic will donate more than 6,000 high-quality, age-appropriate books, a one-year site license to Scholastic Literacy Pro®, an award-winning blended learning program that provides 24/7 access to more than 2,500 fiction and nonfiction ebooks for purposeful independent reading, allowing personalized student choice while providing teachers with real-time data to inform instruction.
In addition, students will receive summer book pack of 10 titles to take home and own, encouraging independent reading beyond the classroom. According to newly released data from the Scholastic Kids & Family Reading Report, 41% say they get most of the books they read for fun from their school – making this award a significant mile-marker for many students whose book access may diminish over the summer months.
This award honors the late Chairman and CEO Richard (Dick) Robinson, who believed wholeheartedly that children should have expanding access to stories and engaging educational materials.
Congratulations to Portland Public Schools in Portland, Oregon and Jason Lee Elementary School! To see more about this exciting event and award, be sure to follow Scholastic Education Solutions on Twitter @ScholasticED!
