Project Literacy Grant

The Grant: The five elementary school libraries in the East Ramapo School District were awarded a $290,000 federal grant in 2006.

Library Advisory Team (LAT): A library advisory team comprised of the library media specialist, principal, family resource center coordinator, teacher representative and parent representative will meet monthly to plan and implement grant initiatives.

Objective: The objective of the grant is to raise academic achievement by improving student literacy skills through the following initiatives: a) build state-of-the-art library media centers (LMC) which incorporate print resource and technology that support and engage stud nets in reading, writing, speaking, and listening; b) offer increased access to to LMC resources for students, families, staff, and community) provide professional development to key stakeholders; and d) support collaboration among certified Library Media Specialists (LMS), teachers, administrators, parents, and community.

Book Collections: Twenty thousand dollars was awarded to each library to develop book collections which are current and appropriate for children in gradesK-3.

Book And Beyond: "Books and Beyond is a comprehensive, research-based recreational reading program designed to increase reading outside the classroom and help parents promote literacy behaviors at home. Its design purposefully integrates the cognitive, motivational, and social aspects of reading. The overarching goal of the program is to increase independent reading for students of all achievement levels while improving attitudes toward books and reading." Parent Letter announcing the program at Grandview.

Technology: Each library has the following technology: digital still and video cameras, scanner, b/w laser printer, photo printer, 12 desktop or 16 notebook computers, Smart Board interactive white board.

Software to Support Literacy: Each library and classrooms have access to the Accelerated Reader program.

Extended Hours: Libraries will extend hours either before or after school to increased access to to LMC resources for students, families, staff, and community.