We've won another grant!!

Thanks to the Idaho Community Foundation, we've received $500 to begin funding take home backpack literacy program. This program is designed to help struggling readers (and their families) help themselves to become better readers.

A typical backpack will contain:

1 - clear backpack with instructions permanently attached
2 - 4 books, depending on reading level and interest
1 - literacy or theme related game
I - stuffed animal "reading buddy"
2 - worksheets thematically and/or reading level related and a sheet of additional activities related to the story (visiting farm, a home craft project and other related books etc).
1 - Parent survey sheet

Here's how it works:

1. A child is identified by his or her teacher as a struggling reader.
2. A permission slip (with program information, and a place for parent contact information to facilitate return).
2. The child will be given a slip of paper to take to the "backpack library".
3. The child will receive a backpack and instructions to take home.
4. The child will take the backpack home, read the books with a family member or if no one is available to read, the "reading buddy". They may use the the games and worksheets to further encourage the idea of fun while reading.
5. The parent will fill out the survey sheet to verify the books were read and provide us with more information on the usefulness of included items.
6. Children who read the books, complete a parent survey and return the backpack on time will receive a free book to build their home libraries.

How to help:

1. A stuffed animal and new book drive will take place over the next few weeks. (More information will be sent home)
2. Clear backpacks need to be purchased at the best price (probably online).
3. Worksheets will need to be copied.
4. Forms, permission slips, instructions etc will need to be created.
5. Additional books and games will need to be purchased. Some through Scholastic Literacy program at very low cost.
6. Backpack assembly party! The PTO will provide snacks, drinks and music. The school will provide the space.
7. A storage area will be set up
8. Children will be identified and permission slips sent home.
9. Backpacks go home!!
10. After a week, backpacks will be returned (or calls made to parents based on their contact information) and restocked with worksheets.
11. Backpacks will be checked monthly for worn, used or missing items (we will have an inventory list to make this easier)


Our goal is 100 backpacks, if we can't reach that number, we will contact local businesses and write grants for matching funds.

If you'd like to help putting the pieces of this great program together (And we WILL need help) contact Amy Gerts at via email or the school office.