Second-grader Wesley Soule at Cape Cod Hill Elementary School in New Sharon reads from “Who Will Win” by author Jerry Pallotta. Photo Courtesy of Lisa Sinclair
NEW SHARON — The Franklin County group Citizens for Common Sense Education (CCSE) rounded up resources to purchase 60 books for second-grade classes at the Cape Cod Hill Elementary School (CCHS).
Jerry Pallotta’s “Who Would Win” book series and Rebecca Elliott’s “Owl Diaries” were delivered to the school on Monday, March 15, by CCSE member Bob Millay. Members of CCSE gathered about $350 to purchase the books after hearing from Industry school board member Jesse Sillanpaa that teachers were interested in expanding their classroom libraries.
“We had some pretty good donations from some of the members who were interested in doing something like this which helped,” Millay said.
CCHS Principal Lisa Sinclair explained that second-grade students need highly engaging non-fiction books and that “Who Would Win” offers an appealing spread of animals.
“The collection features reptiles, mammals, sea creatures, dinosaurs, and more as they go head to head in battle. This series teaches kids important animal facts and non-fiction reading comprehension skills,” Sinclair wrote in an email. “Students can predict which animal will win the fight by using each book’s engaging information and colorful photos, charts, and illustrations.”
The “Owl Diaries” is a popular fictional series that keeps students interested in reading, Sinclair said.
“The text is engaging, there are adorable illustrations on every page, and the plots are fast-paced and of high interest. Students can’t wait to read the next book in the series,” she wrote.
Millay encouraged people to reach out if they were interested in joining CCSE’s 54 members and engaging with schools through outreach and donations. He explained that in the past, the group’s primary concern was reviewing the district’s budget, but now their focus is giving back to the community.
“Now, we’re serving some good I think, and doing things like this are pretty much our mission,” Millay said.
To learn more about CCSE, contact Bob Millay at (207) 778-4611 or Marsha Donald at (207) 778-2446.
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