THE PALISADES CLUB SUPPORTS "BOOKS FOR ALL" PROGRAM

 

The Rotary Club of The Palisades presented a check for $500 to Jill Miller and Lisa Badalamenti-Compel, two Anna C Scott Elementary School teachers, in support of ACS’s “Books For All” program at the Rotary Club meeting on April 1.

 

Jill Miller and Lisa Badalamenti-Compel have been actively engaged in working with the ACS Student Council in driving the “Books For All” program (also known as the “Snackpack for the Mind”). Under their direction, the grades 3-5 student council representatives have launched this effort and a letter writing campaign to generate new book donations for distribution. The students have already received responses from well-known author J.K. Rowling and Assemblywoman Valerie Huttle and enthusiastic support from the community.

 

Sadly, not all Leonia elementary school children or their families can always afford new books. Numerous research studies have found a direct correlation between children who regularly read and academic/professional success later in life. The “Books For All” campaign is designed to help narrow the gap between the haves and have-nots by putting new books in the hands of some students who might not otherwise receive them. Nearly 11% of Leonians are living on incomes at or below the Federal Poverty Level. While a new book in the hands of an elementary student might not be the first thing which comes to mind when we think about how many families are struggling economically, it is without a doubt one of the most impactful gifts a child can get.