Ecademie Library Grand Opening - Public Is Invited

$206K Grant Helps High School Establish Literacy Center for Students, Community

Ecademie High School is scheduled to host an Open House for its Library on Nov. 5 from 5-7 PM at the Eagles Campus, 417 N. 16th St., Phoenix. Students, parents and the public are invited to attend.

According to recent research, 61 percent of Ecademie High School students are reading at the 5th grade level or below.

In response to this staggering statistic, Ecademie applied for and received a $206,000 grant from the Improving Literacy through School Libraries (LSL) program (U.S. Department of Education) so the school could establish a library and Goodwill could strengthen its commitment to help our students overcome their personal barriers.

The LSL program was a perfect fit for Ecademie because it aims to improve student literacy skills and academic achievement by providing increased access to up-to-date library materials, a well-equipped, technologically advanced school library media center, and well-trained, professionally certified school library media specialists.

According to Prinicipal Kristen Smith, Ecademie was the only school in Arizona that received this grant.

"We will use the funds to build a fully stocked library that will improve student learning," said Smith. "Also, we plan to get their parents involved. We want to create a cycle of family literacy."

More specifically, Ecademie will create a school media center staffed by a full-time librarian and a part-time reading teacher. The school will acquire print and non-print collections that encourage the love of reading and that correlate with curriculum needs and state standards.

Smith said she is looking forward to hosting regular workshops for young parents, parent/child nights, adult literacy and English as a Second Language (ESL) classes. Ecademie also intends to collaborate with local literacy volunteers and trainers to support the program.