Smiles and excitement were the order of the day at Jose “Joe” May Elementary School as all 690 students in grades pre–K– 5 had the opportunity to select three books each to take home with them.
KPMG Families for Literacy teams up with Dallas ISD schools to support reading with gifts of books to students, and today’s celebration didn’t start nor end there.
Earlier this year select students from the school enjoyed lunch at a gala where they met former First Lady Laura Bush, and acted as models in a fashion show (and took home all the clothes they modeled). Then the school received $1,000 in resources for the library and classroom needs.
The presentation on Dec. 19 of more than 2,000 books – plus an additional 100 coats for students in need of warm winter wear –were a big hit for students and their teachers. Students brought messages of appreciation, and Principal Israel Rivera thanked KPMG’s Debra Chism, letting all the KPMG volunteers know “we are blessed to have this support for our students.”
This past year KPMG donated books to 20 schools for all students enrolled in summer school programs, as well as for the spring Read for Me event.
Jane Didear, Dallas ISD Partnership Coordinator, noted the growth of the partnership over the past five years.
“Dallas ISD students will read more and grow in their reading abilities if they have the opportunity to read for pleasure, at home,” Didear said. “KPMG has provided excellent support for this need, teaming with our librarians and principals at schools across the district, and we are grateful.”
