Fort Worth ISD Receives Inaugural Little Lockers to Boost Literacy
Fort Worth ISD’s M.M. Walton Elementary and Seminary Hills Park Elementary unveiled their “Little Lockers,” which were both filled with books for the students and school communities to enjoy.
Texas YES Project (Youth Education Support Program), in partnership with Commercial Metals Company, donated the lockers and the books. The lockers will be maintained and restocked by Texas YES. The Little Locker Project was developed to provide greater access to literacy for students and community members. The program encourages less screen time and promotes creativity and outdoor fun during extended breaks, by filling the lockers with books, outdoor activities, and craft and art projects.
When fourth grader, Natalie, was asked how she felt about having the Little Locker, she smiled and said, “It makes me happy! I can borrow books that I have never read before.” The students were excited to learn that some of their favorites were stocked in the locker. A huge round of applause erupted for “The Magic Treehouse” and “Captain Underpants.”
Dorene Benavidez, Executive Director of School Leadership for Fort Worth ISD, said this resource will help promote reading and continued learning at home even when students are not in school.
“Maybe those who are wanting to continue to educate their kids at home, and to even give preexposure to students who are getting ready to come to school as well,” Benavidez said. “Specifically, in this community, we have a lot of different ethnicities right now who are moving into the community. So, English is not necessarily their first language. They’re learning. This is an opportunity to give those resources to our community.”
A representative from Commercial Metals Company read the book “Be Kind” to the students at both campuses, which initiated a discussion about how to be kind to the new Little Lockers.
Texas YES Project is a nonprofit organization built on the idea that by providing students with quality supplies and resources in the classroom, they can help them achieve long-term academic success. Since 1998, they have provided students with supply kits, STEAM development grants, and more.
Texas YES Project provided over 10,000 supply kits to FWISD elementary students this year.