JACKSON HOLE, Wyo. — Jackson Hole High School teacher Julie Tomich received 65 new books for Teton County School District #1 students to participate in her summer reading program thanks to the Fund for Public Education and Jackson Hole Book Trader.
When the recent school year ended, Tomich was faced with a challenge. Not all high school students would be able to purchase the school’s summer reading texts. With financial support from the FFPE, JH Book Trader sprang into action to order and deliver the needed books in less than two weeks.
Knowing the importance of continued education and literacy, JH Book Trader owner Susie Temple and manager Abbie Stanford say they knew the importance of stepping in the gap.
“Summer reading is so important, and to get books into these kid’s hands is a wonderful thing,” Temple said.
Executive director of FFPE, Jason Bruni, mentioned the importance of community partners like JH Book Trader helping fill a need for students in the community.
“When an educational need arises outside the classroom, it’s a powerful tool knowing the Fund can call Jackson Hole Book Trader to assist in the procurement of reading materials. Both Susie and Abbie jumped at the opportunity to support this program and were just as excited as the fund to fill an unmet need,” Bruni said.
The goal of the program is for students to read the book over the summer while staff members prepare engaging discussions and activities for the start of the next school year. Students will be in book groups with teachers and peers they’ve potentially never interacted with based on their reading and interests. The book copies will stay with the program for future use. This is the first year with intent to grow the program and enhance student reading over the summer.
Tomich was awarded a School Enrichment Grant through the FFPE website. These funds cover the cost of educational projects and improvements that cannot be covered by District Funds. Applicants must demonstrate a clear unmet need and must show how the project will benefit TCSD #1 schools and students.
