East Side Elementary School is using a grant from local nonprofit Causeway to boost reading among students.
Ferger Place subdivision, located just off Main Street, worked to secure the grant, which provided a copy of “The Lorax” by Dr. Seuss at registration to each of the school’s kindergartners. Then, in September, students attended an open house on the school playground and watched the 2012 animated film based on the book, while eating free Chick-fil-A.
According to Ferger Place resident/Brainerd Road Chick-fil-A franchisee Nick Goebeler, about 50 people including students and their families attended the open house.
“We had fun getting them excited about ‘The Lorax’ and reading,” said Goebeler. “And Chick-fil-A sponsored all the food including chicken nuggets, chicken sandwiches, chips and delicious fruit punch.”
Assistant Principal Greg Wilkey said the school is grateful that Ferger Place supports East Side and wants to help the school close its students’ gap on literacy.
“We always endorse those that insure our kids become great readers,” said Principal Stephanie Hinton. “There’s several national organizations that give out books. The neighborhood starts with our kindergartners and fosters a love of reading and enjoyment at young age.”
Email Katie Ward at kward@timesfreepress.com.