Horizon receives funds for new books

Left to Right: Horizon Elementary School Assistant Principal Kimberly Stewart, school librarian Gina Ashley and School Principal Rodney Richardson.

Horizon Elementary School is one of 16 schools in the state awarded the Lowe’s Toolbox for Education grant.

The funds will be used to purchase new books for the library as part of the Building Bridges to the Future project, which aims to enhance students’ interest in reading.

“This is the third year we have not received funding for library books, so we’re always looking for grants to keep good books in the hands of students,” said school librarian Gina Ashley.

Ashley applied for the grant in January

“Non-fiction plays a vital role in students learning to read,” she said. “We are trying to help them build the build the bridge to that.”

Kimberly Stewart, assistant principal, expressed similar gratitude for the grant.

“It does give an opportunity to enhance the library and funds we otherwise would not have for the next school year, especially in times like these where every penny counts” Stewart said. “It helps us to stand out as the exemplary school we are.”

The schools that received the grants during the spring 2011 grants cycle are part of the more than 480 schools or parent organizations that were awarded a grant for parent-initiated school improvement projects benefiting K-12 public education across the United States.

“Through Lowe’s Toolbox for Education grant program, we are acknowledging parent-initiated efforts that enhance the lives of children in the communities we serve,” said Marshall Croom, chairman of Lowe’s Charitable and Educational Foundation. “By supporting schools in Alabama, we are rallying behind a cause that is important to both our customers and employees. And we’re helping to build a stronger foundation for the children who will be tomorrow’s employees, homeowners and community leaders.”