Donations leads to free books for KMES students

Over the past few years,social media has become a very important tool for educators.
 
Through platforms like Facebook,Twitter,Pinterest and other platforms teachers are able to collaborate and get ideas from one and other.
 
One idea that formed recently for some Kasson-Mantorville Elementary School classrooms,is collecting donations,so they can provide a free book to each student every month.
 
Currently a few classroom teachers are doing this and they found the idea,by seeing some of their teacher friends doing it at other schools,and seeing the success that came with it.
 
“I saw some of my teacher friends doing it on Facebook,” Marissa Dufault a Kindergarten teacher said.
 
Aside from getting the initial idea from Facebook,the social media platform has been very helpful for the classroom teachers.
 
By simply posting on Facebook asking for a sponsorship of $9 per year,for each student they have been able to collect enough money and then some,many of which got enough donors within 24-hours.
 
One of the encouraging things about the donations,that the teachers pointed to is the fact that they get donations from a variety of different people,including friends,former students,and parents of former students.
 
“It's encouraging to see people interested in students getting books in their hands,”Laura Peck,a 2 grade teacher said.
 
The excitement for the books each month is something that the classroom teachers pointed to as being a very refreshing thing.
 
“The students get so excited when the Scholastic Book Box comes,”Dufault said.
 
One of the good things about having books donated for each of the students,is because it allows students to have quality reading time with their family.
 
“It’s really good for kids to read with their family at home,” Colleen Lau, a Kindergarten teacher said.
 
Another advantage to the program that the teachers pointed to is allowing students to have books at home,especially for those who wouldn’t normally have any at home or a limited amount.
 
Overall,the teachers are excited to be able to encourage students to read in another way.
 
“Having a book in your hand is irreplaceable,” Jenny Anderson,a Kindergarten teacher said.
 
 
As a way thank the donors for getting books in students hands,many of the classes will be making thank you cards.
 
For those who are interested in making a contribution to one of the classroom programs contact one of the teachers who are currently taking part in the program by calling the Elementary School Office.
 
Colleen Lau-Kindergarten, Marissa Dufault-Kindergarten, Nancy Voth-2 grade, Jenny Anderson-Kindergarten, Paula Dahms-4 grade and Laura Peck -2 grade.