FRIENDS OF PRITZKER’s

CAMPAIGN FOR LITERACY

 

On November 7th,  Friends of Pritzker kicked off this year’s annual giving Campaign for Literacy.  The Annual Giving Campaign for 2011-2012 begins November 20 and runs through February 28th.

 

The CAMPAIGN:

  • Upgrade our Library – Books & Technology
  • Provide a Leveled library for grades K – 3
  • Upgrade the Listening Library materials in each of the Special Education rooms
  • Give the library a “facelift” — creating a space unique to our school – more computers for research, more seating, more books

 

Why the library?  The FACTS:

  • 645 Pritzker students spend time weekly in our school’s library
  • Chicago Public Library has cut student access to neighborhood libraries
  • Students need access to research technology and literature to compete
  • Teachers want a better library to improve our curriculum

 

How will a new library & leveled library benefit Pritzker students?

  • Improve reading skills at all levels
  • More access to literature at our school
  • Effective reading and writing strategies for emerging readers
  • Primary grades and special needs students will experience an enhanced listening library
  • Upper grade levels will have access to research
  • The library design will create a multi-functional learning space

 

What is a “leveled” library?

A leveled library is a reading and writing system that challenges both accelerated readers and emerging readers.  With it, teachers can communicate complex subject matter tailored to each student’s reading level.

The leveled library approach was created after researching student learning.  It is currently being used successfully in 15 states across the country.  Our TEACHERS endorse it!!  For more information, talk to your teacher.

 “Not all children in the same grade read at the same level (or at their grade level)… If Pritzker had a Leveled Library, teachers could check out the books they need based on each child’s needs, which would allow each student to be and feel successful as a reader.  A Leveled Library would allow me to teach to every student on their instructional level.

“Once we know where the child is, we can better instruct him/her using “just right” books.  Materials will gradually increase in difficulty as students make progress.  I am VERY excited about this for all of these reasons!  I hear wonderful things about how it helps both the teachers and students.”
Sari Schultz – Kindergarten Teacher

 

Why give to the annual giving campaign?

Parent involvement builds the best school

  • St. Helen’s: $4,700
    British school:  $23,350
    Latin School:  $23,825
    Pritzker Elementary:  $0
  • We rely fully on non-mandatory parent and community support
  •  Your donation is 100% tax deductible
  • 100% of your contribution money goes directly to this project.

 

Many companies provide matching donations, dollar for dollar.  Please check with your Human Resources department and see if yours is one of them!

 

“If you want to work on the core problem, it’s early school literacy.”
James Barksdale, former CEO, Netscape

 

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