Sanford Middle School PTA

You know how as parents we're all like "TURN THAT SCREEN OFF!" and "GO READ A BOOK!" and "WHEN I WAS A KID WE DIDN'T EVEN HAVE COMPUTERS IN SCHOOL, GOLDARNIT!" 

Sanford Middle School is actually leaning into that this year with the new Drop Everything And Read (D.E.A.R.) program three days a week, first thing in the morning, for 30 minutes at a time. 

The kids are literally just reading books, quietly and independently, for fun. The teachers are into it, the kids are into it, I'm super into it as the parent of a 7th grader it -- shoot, even my 7th grader is super into it! 

The only limitation is that the Sanford needs more books. High-interest, age-appropriate, can't-put-it-down books.

Our goal is $6,000, which will go straight toward books and bookshelves (where to PUT all the books is a welcome challenge that came with the popularity of this new program!) with titles chosen by teacher and student input, securing this popular program -- and if we're lucky, growing empathy and wisdom for our kids and community, like we know books are powerfully capable of doing.

Give what you can -- truly, any amount gets us closer. And if you've got a book-geek in your world who wants more kids reading, send this to them with the invitation to support our kids reading more books.

I appreciate you reading *this*, and for sharing your own precious resources for our shared community.

Warmly,

Allyssa Woodford Hughes

parent of Walt Hughes, 7th grader at Sanford