James M. Ellis Memorial Grant: Intentional Diversification of Classroom Library and Literature Circle Selections
- School Year: 2021-2022
- Applicants: Christina Roye, Lead Teacher, Dawn Beckley, Wendy Martin
- School: Whiting Lane
- Subjects: Language Arts
This grant will allow students at Whiting Lane Elementary School to have greater access in the classroom to texts which will feature multicultural characters with different backgrounds, family structures, and interests not currently reflected in our classroom collections. As part of West Hartford's shared vision of equity, every student in the West Hartford Public Schools has the right to access opportunities and educational programs or activities that cultivate their unique gifts, talents, and interests, regardless of race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, alienage, ancestry, disability, gender identity or expression, or any other basis protected by State or Federal law. Every student has the right to an authentic feeling of belonging and safety. Bringing these texts will allow ALL students to see pieces of their own identity reflected in current literature which will not only enhance the education of our current fourth-grade students but ones in years to come.