Spotlight on Success: July 2019

 

The Backpack Buddy program at Newcastle Elementary, funded by an Issaquah Schools Foundation grant, circulated 20 backpacks through 18 Kindergarten-2nd grade classes reaching 228 kids.

 

The purpose of the Backpack Buddies is to entice and turn primary students into enthusiastic and joyful readers. Children can take the backpack home and then read the book to their stuffed animal buddy or cuddle with it while they read with a family member.

 

One parent of a first grader said, "As a volunteer in the library at Newcastle Elementary, it's been so fun to see the kids' excitement over the new Backpack Buddies this year!  Ms. Berry makes sure that as many kids as possible get a turn with the backpacks. The kids who get to check them out are positively thrilled each week.  My own son is a 1st grader and waited patiently for his turn to take one home and was so excited to have it with him for the week.  The books and the stuffed animal made a great conversation piece in our home, and I love that so many kids get to have that experience with their families.  It's something new and different that helps kids get excited about reading and making it a hobby and I love that! 

 

Here are a few thoughts from kids:

"I really like it because you have the stuffy at night while you're reading and you can cuddle with it."

"Backpack Buddy is great because you can cuddle with the stuffy and read to a little brother!"

 

It's donors like YOU that make programs like these possible!  To learn more about Teacher Grants and see the list of 2019 Winners click HERE!