SARASOTA COUNTY, May 3, 2017 – Venice
Elementary School partnered with Tuttle Elementary School in April for a district
program called “Up With Books.”
During
National Literacy Action Week in January, Venice Elementary held a book drive
that collected more than 1,500 new and gently used books. The books were placed
in bags that each contained three books, a personal note and a bookmark for
each student at Tuttle Elementary School. More than 60 volunteer hours were
dedicated to the project.
On
April 5, Venice Elementary volunteers, teachers and Principal Erin Del Castillo
delivered books to Tuttle Elementary School students. The partnership will
close with fourth and fifth grade classes reading the same book and blogging
with each other via classroom email regarding the book they read.
The
“Up With Books” project was initiated by Laura Kingsley, The Sarasota
County Schools Assistant Superintendent/Chief Academic Officer, in support of
the Suncoast Campaign for Grade Level Reading.
Chandra
Reilly, the Venice Elementary Volunteer of the Year, was instrumental in
organizing the project. “What a great initiative to be involved with,” she
said. “Delivering our finished book bags was the best part of the event! We
love Tuttle Elementary students!”
Venice
Elementary School is located at 150 E. Miami Ave. in Venice.
Tuttle
Elementary School is located at 2863 Eighth Street in Sarasota.