$10,000 LAUSD Library Makeover Awarded to Short Avenue Elementary

Los Angeles, CA, October 26, 2017: Short Avenue Elementary School competed against 1,087 other LAUSD schools and won a $10,000 library makeover award and author visit for their submissions to the LAUSD’s summer reading challenge.

In June, Los Angeles Unified School District superintendent Michelle King challenged students across LAUSD to read 100 minutes a week during their summer break. All students, particularly those from low-income families, are vulnerable to learning loss. The summer reading challenge addresses that troubling reading slide by encouraging summer reading.

Cognizant of the many ways that participating in this challenge could benefit both the students and the school, Alicia Casilli, the Short Avenue Library Aide, spearheaded the effort. Working in conjunction with the principal, Karen Reynolds, teachers, staff, and parents she encouraged students and families to read and log their summer hours. Many participants were triply engaged because they participated in LAUSD’s summer reading challenge as well as county and city library summer reading challenges.

“What an honor it is to have our school selected. I had to read the winning email several times before it sunk in,” beamed Principal Reynolds, now in her second year at the school.

An award ceremony is planned for Friday, November 3, 2017 at 8am during the monthly school assembly. The $10,000 check will be presented to Principal Reynolds. Luna Vargas, an avid reader and transitional kindergartener, had her name drawn from a hat, which awarded Short Avenue Elementary the library makeover.

“We enjoy reading because we love to learn about the world and each other through stories and poems,” remarked Luna’s Mom, Moni Vargas. “We also enjoy reading in Spanish so Luna learns about our culture and expands her vocabulary in both languages.”

International bestselling author Amy Ephron will be in attendance at the ceremony to present all summer reading participants an autographed copy of her book, The Castle in the Mist.

Ms. Casilli, now in her fourth year as Short Avenue Elementary’s Library Aide, shares her love of reading with all library visitors. She sees the school library as a reading oasis, particularly for those not fortunate enough to be able to visit public libraries. Her passionate commitment to the power of books as educational support has seen her shepherd multiple programs through the school, resulting in a variety of awards including local, state and international levels.

Where will the money go?
Earlier this school year Ms. Casilli performed a library collection analysis that revealed much of the Short Avenue library collection is considered aged, with many of books averaging 30+ years old. “This is a fantastic news! I am thrilled to be able to bring more books to the students and bring us closer to our goal of filling all the shelves in our library! We are looking to add books that supplement our STEAM focus, in addition to supplementing other areas of need,” she added.

About Short Avenue Elementary School
Short Avenue Elementary, a charming neighborhood school nestled within and surrounded by vibrant and growing communities, has won numerous awards. Focused on the whole child, the thoughtful curriculum includes TK/K-6 school-wide hands-on Science projects, Latin for all classes, technology education, STEAM Exhibition Nights, and much more.The school is also in the consideration phase of becoming an International Baccalaureate program. 63% of students are Title I.

To learn more, please visit www.ShortAvenue.org