Written by: Alma Rock
Last May, the Harlingen Consolidated Independent School District (HCISD) Multi-Language Department was awarded a grant from the Dollar General Literacy Foundation Summer Reading grant program. HCISD was the only school district awarded in the Rio Grande Valley (RGV) through a highly competitive national grant request. Leading the project, “Empowering Emergent Bilingual Students in Pre-K and Kindergarten,” were Norma G. Garcia, Multi-Language Director, and Multi-Language Specialists Noelia Garza and Edelmira Sanchez.
The grant funded a 4-week summer literacy program designed for Pre-K and Kindergarten emergent bilingual students. This initiative aimed to enhance reading proficiency, increase parental involvement in education, and facilitate the creation of at-home bilingual libraries for students. The program seamlessly integrated into HCISD’s existing summer enrichment classes, operating four full days a week and providing transportation and meals for the participating students.
Norma G. Garcia, Director of the Multi-Language Department, expressed her gratitude for the grant, stating, “We are incredibly thankful to the Dollar General Literacy Foundation for their generous support. This funding allowed us to provide essential resources to our emergent bilingual students and their families, fostering a love for reading and learning that will benefit them for years to come.”
The entirety of the grant funds was used to purchase bilingual (English-Spanish) books, particularly non-fiction and character books with cultural relevance. These books were distributed to students so they could create an at-home library, supporting children’s learning and reading experiences. By focusing on culturally meaningful and grade-appropriate books, the program aimed to enhance the literacy development of Pre-K and Kindergarten students.
HCISD and the Multi-Language Department extended their heartfelt thanks to the Dollar General Literacy Foundation for their invaluable support. This grant underscored the critical importance of early childhood literacy and parental involvement in education, positioning HCISD as a leader in enhancing bilingual education in the RGV.