In September 2017, Hurricane Harvey devastated thousands of communities across the southern U.S. and beyond. Many teachers lost everything in their homes as well as their classrooms.
Partnering to Replenish Classroom Libraries
Did you know teachers invest their own money to purchase books for their classroom libraries? Texas Elementary Principals and Supervisors Association (TEPSA) recognized an opportunity to replenish their libraries by asking Lifetouch and Scholastic Book Fairs for help. A unique partnership was formed.
View video about this partnership.
Cover to Cover, Heart to Heart from Lifetouch for Schools on Vimeo.
TEPSA identified three schools that were completely devastated. Students were displaced and were taught in various locations including churches, other schools and portable classrooms. These schools have spent the last year rebuilding and dealing with the aftermath of this catastrophic event. Lifetouch employees filled teachers’ shelves with $23,000 worth of Scholastic books, and Scholastic Book Fairs contributed over $11,000 in Scholastic Dollars to bring hope to the students and families of these school communities:
- Orangefield Elementary School – Orange, Texas – Home of the Bobcats
- Little Cypress Elementary School – Orange, Texas – Home of the Cubs
- Fulton Learning Center – Aransas Pass, Texas – Home of the Pirates
Here’s How it Worked
- Scholastic Book Fairs, with the help of school librarians, curated a school book Wish List for each school.
- Lifetouch employees throughout the U.S. purchased books from the Wish List, or made a donation.
- Scholastic Book Fairs provided Scholastic Dollars to each school in an amount equal to 50% of all Lifetouch employee purchases. This allowed each school to receive additional books and other educational resources.
- In September, special celebrations were held at Orangefield Elementary and Fulton Elementary where the books were presented to the teachers. Little Cypress Elementary received their books on December 12.