TheJune Streaming News had an article about Target’s School Library Makeovers, which provides more extensive assistance.The company program, in partnership with The Heart of America Foundation®, refurbishes elementary school libraries, improves their equipment, including new technology, shelving, carpet and paint, and provides volunteer time. Additionally, each library media center receives 2,000 new books and each student receives seven books to begin a home library. President Ann M. Martin, on behalf of American Association of School Librarians, awarded Target the because of its Target School Library Makeovers program.
Laura Bush Foundation for America’s Libraries
The goal of the Laura Bush Foundation for America’s Libraries is to provide print books to the school libraries and students that most need them. Grants of up to $6,000 are made to update, extend, and diversify the book collections of school libraries throughout the United States. Preference is given to elementary, middle, or high schools in which 90% or more of the school population receives free or reduced lunch. Funds are available only for library books and magazine/serial copies, and subscriptions; requests for staffing, shelving, furniture, equipment, software, videos, classroom book sets, or exams are not eligible. All grants are made to individual schools rather than to school districts, foundations, or other entities. The application deadline is December 31, 2008. Online application information is available on the website listed above.
Schools and public libraries are invited to apply online for the second round of Picturing America, which will ship in March 2009. Picturing America is an initiative of the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) designed to bring masterpieces of American art into classrooms and libraries nationwide.
Online applications will be accepted through October 31, 2008. The images in the Picturing America collection will remain the same; eligible institutions which applied during the first round will receive their Picturing America awards in fall 2008 and will not be eligible for a second award, In May 2008, 26,300 schools and public libraries were selected to received the first round of the award. ,
Welcome back to school! I hope you have a great year. Enclosed is the website for the Best Buy Teacher Grant Program, which focuses on use of technology with instruction. Please check it out. Applications are due between July and October 2008.
Sometimes referred to as “community learning centers,” schools that serve as centers of community provide a rich array of social, civic, recreational and artistic opportunities to the broader community, often clustering educational and municipal buildings together. These additional services and opportunities often improve student achievement and help maximize local tax dollars. The winning school will be a center of community that demonstrates innovative design ideas and helps promote student achievement.
