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As the new school year approaches, some Stamford youngsters may be unprepared. It's not that they won't have the necessary supplies, such as pencils, pens and notebooks. It's that they may lack basic skills, such as the ability to read at grade level.
That's where the Stamford Public Education Foundation can help. It offers programs and services for students through a number of collaborations. A big focus is on reading.
"I don't think there's any greater joy than a kid reading a book," said Susan Swidler, a member of foundation's board of directors. "The thought of a child reading a book, to me, is like heaven. With a book you can do anything."
On Sept. 25, the foundation will hold a book fair at Barnes & Noble in Stamford Town Center. The foundation will receive a percentage of product sales from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. That includes books, music, cafe items and even cheesecake from the Cheesecake Factory, which can be preordered for pickup that day.
Curious George will be there to tell stories, and kids will be able to read with him. In addition, youngsters will have the opportunity to make their own bookmarks and enjoy other activities.
The foundation is holding the event in partnership with the Ashforth Co. All proceeds will be used to support the foundation's literacy initiative and to build libraries for kindergarten through Grade 2 classrooms in the district.
Online Barnes and Noble purchases benefitting the foundation can be made from Sept. 25 to 29 using the code 10243483.
Established in 2000, the nonprofit Stamford Public Education Foundation Inc. is independent of the school system but helps support students through tutoring, mentoring and other initiatives, and financially invests in services and programs for students and teachers.
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