Southington Group Donates 100+ Books to Elementary School

SOUTHINGTON, CT (July 24, 2018) – As part of an ongoing initiative organized by Southington Women for Progress (SWfP), 139 new children’s books were donated to Derynoski Elementary School last week.

On April 29, SWfP put out a call on Facebook for new, donated children’s books that address issues of diversity and inclusivity. As it stated online, the group’s goal was for these books to “reflect the diversity of our students and the diversity that they will encounter in the wider world.”

Over the next three months, book donations poured in from SWfP members, community members, and the group’s broader network, with some books being sent from across the country.

On July 17, 139 books were delivered to Derynoski Elementary School by SWfP members Tia Jones and Patrice Jones. Principal Janice Verderame met the donation with enthusiasm, stating, “I am so pleased to accept this generous donation from the ‘Southington Women for Progress’ group. It is so nice to see our community partners continuing to support our children.”

Principal Verderame noted that the school is placing the books in its library where all students will have access.

The group focused its first donation on Derynoski — Southington’s largest elementary school—but plans to support additional schools with book donations in the future. Southington is home to eight elementary schools as well as a population that has been growing increasingly diverse.

“While I received a wonderful education in Southington, as a woman of color, I would have benefitted from seeing my culture reflected in the curriculum. These books featuring diverse characters are a great start toward implementing culturally relevant pedagogy in Southington schools,” said Southington Women for Progress member Tia Jones.

To organize this initiative, SWfP created an Amazon wish list, called “SWfP Diverse Books.” The list, which is still active online, includes books from pre-K through grade 8 reading levels that address topics ranging from celebrating cultural heritages, encouraging girls in STEM, using agency wisely, and being kind to others.

The group is inviting ongoing book donations. Anyone interested may purchase books directly from the “SWfP Diverse Books” Amazon wishlist or email southingtonwomenforprogress@gmail.com for information.

"As the parent of a Derynoski student, I am pleased that my daughter and her classmates will have access to books that spark their imaginations by using the perspectives and voices of children from all different backgrounds. I hope these books can serve as conversation-starters in the classroom and beyond,” stated local parent and SWfP founder Erica Roggeveen Byrne.

About Southington Women for Progress

Southington Women for Progress is a non-partisan group of forward-thinking Southington residents. Echoing the town’s tagline, “City of Progress,” the group is committed to making Southington a more just and equitable place for all residents. More information can be found at www.SouthingtonWomenForProgress.org.