The Literacy Project
Books for Students
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By Dr. Doris E. SweeneyAn Ongoing Project of the
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Artwork by students from our 2006 award winning school, West Cape May New Jersey Elementary School |
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History of the Project
The Literacy Project began with the Walden PDK "Club" in 1997 and has grown since then. The idea behind the project is to select a title 1 school, or a school that demonstrates a need—especially in the area of providing quality literature to students—and make book donations to that school's library.
The initial recipient was the Azalea Park Elementary School in Orlando, Florida. During the 1998-1999 school term, our fledgling membership donated 25 volumes.
During the 1999-2000, our members donated over 200 quality volumes ranging in topics from easy readers (Easy Street (E)) to many, many chapter books—especially in the areas of black history and sports.
In the future, we hope to solicit applications from other schools.
Dr. Doris Sweeney
2003
This year we used on our website to solicit nominations of needy school libraries from chapter members at our April meeting. Five libraries were nominated. Then during May, we voted to make our 2003 award to the Indiana AvenueSchool in New Jersey, nominated by Jennifer Pullman. (The school name was subsequently changed to New York Avenue School, after they moved.) Once selected, Jennifer and the school librarian prepared a "wish list" of books which was posted at Amazon.com so that our chapter members could choose suitable donations.
We also initiated a matching donation from chapter funds of up to $300 to be used by the school for additional book purchases. Click here to see some photos and read a description of how the project was received.
2004
Award winner was Greenfield Park School of Denver, Colorado, nominated by Dorthena Cope.
2005
Award winner was the Winegard School in Florida, nominated by Doris Sweeney.
2006
Award winner was West Cape May New Jersey Elementary School, nominated by Brenda Williams Elliott.
2007
Award winning school was Manuel L. Real Elementary School, nominated by Randy Freeman.
2008
Award winning school is Fort Sam Houston Elementary School, nominated by Melanie Morgan.