Literacy Night gets grant

Tuesday, Feb. 13, 2001 | 9:39 a.m.

The Clark County Education Association Community Foundation has awarded $500 to Ruth Gates, a teacher at Lewis Rowe Elementary School, for a Family Literacy Night.

The newly established nonprofit foundation awards opportunity grants to teachers and community outreach programs.

Nearly 200 Rowe students and their families attended the recent Family Literacy Night. Students each received a free book of their choice, made puppets and ate pizza.

"I am committed to providing our students with opportunities like Family Literacy Nights," Gates said. "If it were not for the CCEA Community Foundation grant, I and other staff at Rowe would have had to reach into our own pockets to help fund the evening."

According to a Family Literacy Night survey, many parents never read to their children. That's why these events and giving away new books are popular and provide a platform for parents to begin reading to their children, Gates said.

Books were available in Spanish and English. Among those who helped read to students at the event was School Superintendent Carlos Garcia.

Teachers or community outreach programs seeking foundation grants ranging from $500 to $1,000 may submit an educational request for field trips or classroom equipment directly to the foundation. Requests are reviewed by the CCEA Community Foundation board. Grants are available year-round.

For information on the foundation or to obtain a grant application, call Kevin Nielsen, 733-3063.