July 7, 2022

Greenville ISD students who attended the Summer ACE program sharpened their reading skills and kept a few of their favorite books, thanks to a special collaboration.  

Parent Involvement Facilitator Whitney Threatt has organized a summer reading program every summer since 2019. This summer, the program was even bigger and better due to a $2,500 grant from the F. L. Young Foundation, a local organization that has provided grants to Greenville ISD projects since 1990 and many other causes since their establishment in 1986.  

In collaboration with GISD ACE and Communities In Schools staff, the reading program allowed students to read books from all genres including fiction, non-fiction and mystery stories. While some books were in either English or Spanish, bilingual books were specifically purchased to strengthen the collaborative learning environment between our native English and native Spanish speaking students.  

Students could read classic titles from Dr. Suess, series such as The Boxcar Children and now-popular books like the Pete the Cat, Pokemon, and Dogman collections. They also enjoyed snacks while they read together and discussed their favorite stories. During the last week of June, the students chose books from the program to add to their own home library.  

“One student mentioned that the three books she chose are the first three books she has ever owned,” said Whitney Threatt. “Those three books meant the world to her. That moment reassured me that the program was something I will continue for years to come. The F.L. Young Foundation made this possible, and I look forward to working with them again.”  

If you would like more information or to donate to the PRIDE Center programs such as the summer reading program, the Teacher Supply Closet and assisting with basic needs for families in the district, please email pridecenter@greenvilleisd.com or call 903-494-8922.