News Centre

​The Calgary Board of Education is pleased to collaborate with a group of corporate and community partners to give children the gift of reading. Books for Kids is an initiative that puts books in the hands of children who may have limited access to reading materials in their homes. This program provides opportunities for the CBE to work with community partners to receive donated items and raise funds for the purchase of quality, new books selected by literacy experts. The philosophy behind the program is that literacy begins in the home and in the community. Over 6,500 children in 43 CBE schools benefited from the program this school year.

“Spring into Reading” at Cappy Smart School is one example of literacy events hosted by many of the receiving schools in the Books for Kids initiative. It is an example of the power of a community coming to together to support the common goal of enhancing student literacy for individual student success.

Cappy Smart School students were treated to story time by Calgary Stampeder Justin Renfrow followed by small group reading with volunteers. Finally, they were surprised with the gift of books to take home along with a “teddy bear” as a reading buddy. Teachers, parents and corporate volunteers were a big part of making this a great event. The event will be a fabulous memory contributing to the joy of reading for the students now and into the future.

Books for Kids is made possible due to the generous support of our sponsors. Supporting Sponsors of the Books for Kids 2018-2019 program include:

• ConocoPhillips Canada
• Weigl Educational Publishers
• Grand & Toy
• Morgex Insurance
• Calgary Hitmen Hockey Club
• Southland Transportation
• United Library Services
• Spolumbo’s