The WASD Education Foundation is providing an additional $6,500 through the support of Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) dollars and Giant Food Stores for an added program in July called "Read, Learn, Write."
The program will allow K-6 students from the district to write, illustrate and publish their own children's book. The summer program will launch with a visit by children's author Trinka Hakes Noble, who will hold workshops for children enrolled in the summer reading program on how to create their own original work.
Noble's workshops will be held at the public library from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. on July 13 and from 10 a.m. to noon on July 14.
A public author's tea is scheduled from 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. on July 14.
Students are then able to return to begin writing their books at the following offered times: 10 a.m. to noon on July 19 and 21 and from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. on July 27 and 28.
The event is free for participating district students who are enrolled in the summer reading program, but registration is required. Registration information will be sent home with students at the end of the year with their report cards.
"This program will be an extension of what we typically do for our summer readers," Hayes said. "This gives students an opportunity to not only write their own children's book but to also meet and work with an author to help enhance that creative process."
"We are thankful for the opportunity to work with the WASD Education Foundation to combine resources that will encourage children in our community to read all summer long," said James V. Brown Library Executive Director Barbara McGary.
Since 2011, the foundation has granted $22,500 toward literacy efforts in the district through the use of EITC dollars, which filter to the district through the First Community Foundation Partnership of Pennsylvania from local businesses, and private donations.
The WASD Education Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to enhancing the educational experience for students by funding projects, programs and initiatives. For more information, visit www.wasd.org/foundation.
