Swayze Elementary School was one of 300 schools from 36 states across the country to receive a $5,000 grant through the Laura Bush Foundation for America’s Libraries. The foundation awarded a total of $1.5 million in library grants this year.
Many of the libraries will use the funds to update and diversify their collections.
“Congratulations to the 2023 Laura Bush Foundation Grant Recipients! I am thrilled that school librarians across the country will soon be able to update their library collections,” Mrs. Laura Bush said.
“Swayze faculty and staff have been on a mission these last few years to enrich our students in more interactive and extensive literacy, and we believe this can be achieved through hands-on resources, such as books, field trips, and data-based curriculum and instruction. Our school deeply appreciates the opportunity to receive this grant to deepen our students with more diverse literature,” said Alexandra Antwine, Reading Interventionist.
Dr. Dana Jenkins, Principal of Swayze Elementary, quoted President Barack Obama, “Reading is the gateway for children that makes all other learning possible.” She continued, “At Swayze Elementary School, we are launching successful futures by laying solid foundations. I cannot think of any skill more critical for our students' lifelong success than reading. From the moment a child enters our school, it is our goal to strengthen their literacy skills, as well as nurture a love for reading. We believe that the ability to read coupled with a love for learning empowers our students to soar in life.”
Mrs. Bush revealed her 2023 summer reading list, which includes recommendations for young readers through middle schoolers at the annual Laura Bush Book Club event, as part of the Engage at the Bush Center series presented by NexPoint, with support from H-E-B. Selections feature books on family, adventure, and gratitude. The list contains classics like The Little House as well as new releases like The Loud Librarian, featuring Dallas illustrator, Erika Lynne Jones.
“This year’s summer reading list includes an old favorite, Charlotte’s Web, which I remember reading to my daughters when they were little,” Mrs. Bush said. “As a former teacher and librarian, I know that the most important thing parents and caregivers can do for their children is to read to them. So I hope you bring this list to your local library, and pick out a few books to read with your family this summer. Your kids will love it, and so will you.”
Grant applications for the 2023-2024 school year will open in late 2023. Visit laurabushfoundation.org to learn more.
The Laura Bush Foundation for America’s Libraries supports school libraries with the greatest needs with the goal of encouraging all students to develop a love of reading and learning. Since its inception in 2002, it has awarded $21 million to more than 3,600 schools across the country.
The George W. Bush Institute’s Education and Opportunity work, which houses the Laura Bush Foundation for America’s Libraries, is generously supported by The Allstate Foundation. The Laura Bush Foundation is managed as a restricted fund at the George W. Bush Presidential Center in Dallas, Texas. More information can be found at laurabushfoundation.org and www.bushcenter.org.
George W. Bush Institute
The George W. Bush Institute is a solution-oriented nonpartisan policy organization focused on ensuring opportunity for all, strengthening democracy, and advancing free societies. Housed within the George W. Bush Presidential Center, the Bush Institute is rooted in compassionate conservative values and committed to creating positive, meaningful, and lasting change at home and abroad. We utilize our unique platform and convening power to advance solutions to national and global issues of the day by influencing policy, not politics. Learn more at bushcenter.org.
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