Written by Aileen C., Dallas Education Foundation Social Media and Marketing Intern Excitement was in the air at Jack Lowe Sr. Elementary School as a new vending machine was revealed on campus. But instead of the typical chips and cookies, it was filled with brand new, glossy books.  The student attendees were the first to use the machine and were given tokens to pick out their own book. Smiles lit up the room as students clutched their new personal books, excited to take them home.  Jack Lowe is the newest addition to the growing list of schools that the Dallas…

Submitted by Emily Davis from the Dallas Education Foundation Students at Margaret B. Henderson Elementary School were treated to an unforgettable experience when author Lauren Sanchez visited to read her debut children’s book, “The Fly Who Flew to Space.” The exciting literacy event was brought to Henderson through the longstanding partnership between Barnes & Noble and the Dallas Education Foundation.  “Our kids are the winners when we all work together to promote positive reading experiences,” said Patricia Alvarado Barnes, Director of Library Media Services. Over 200 students listened as Sanchez read aloud the story of Flynn, a fly with big…

Finley P. is discovering a love for reading. “It relaxes me to read,” he said. “My mom and I read before bed every night.”  A second-grader at Jesus Moroles Expressive Arts Vanguard, Finley was introduced to the world of books at his school’s library. Every month, his class goes to the library to listen to a story read aloud–and handpicked by their eighth-grade buddy.  Known as the Book Buddy Program, the idea was inspired by Adam Benoit, librarian at Moroles, and Madeline Whitacre, an eighth grade reading teacher. The two wanted to find a way to foster a love of…

“When I’m up there, I think, ‘let them do what they do, and just play,’” said Ki’Zydreeck F., who juggles the roles of both cheerleader and band member at South Oak Cliff High School. “I get a little scared every time, but once I’m lifted, I know I can’t mess it up.” Strapped with a nearly 20-pound drum, these thoughts run through the sophomore’s head as he’s hoisted several feet in the air by his cheer squad. Then, in a slow cadence, his teammates spin him in a circle while he plays. Typically, Ki’Zydreeck is a base cheerleader and plays…