Future Public School - Bucks for Books

This Donation will buy a book for Future Public School in Garden City. Their Librarian says " Future Public School was founded with an equity imperative. At our Diverse-by-Design charter school, students use story to honor and affirm the many experiences and identities present within our community. At least 17% of our students qualify as English Language Learners, and nearly 40% identify as racially and ethnically diverse. Aside from English, predominant home languages spoken by our families include Arabic, Somali, Nepali, Spanish, and the Bantu language spoken throughout many African countries.
Unfortunately, complex trauma is part of many of our students’ stories. FPS is implementing responsive, student-centered Social Emotional Learning (SEL) initiatives proven to help individuals develop healthy self-esteem, a sense of belonging, and purpose.
Bucks for Books funding would allow FPS to purchase stellar titles to create a dedicated SEL section for our students. In addition to being available for checkout to our full K-6 student body, these books would support our two on-staff counselors, aid general instruction, and provide resources for a 30-week after school tutoring program we are offering this year. For two hours after school, four days a week, approximately 40 students in grades 1-6 will attend this safe, joyful learning environment that prioritizes social emotional learning and enrichment opportunities.
An inclusive, accessible collection is the heart of a school library. Having a library that represents our students matters: One morning, before school, a student came into our library and exclaimed, “I found me!” When our librarian looked up, that student was pointing to Malala Yousafzai. While FPS is proud of our collection, we are constantly working to assure more "I found me!" moments are possible.
In partnership with Bucks for Books, FPS would curate an inclusive library that connects our youngest learners with updated, relevant, representative library of exceptional SEL-focused fiction and non-fiction titles that inspire lifelong readers, learners, and changemakers."

In 2019, the Idaho Lottery learned 28 percent of Idaho elementary schools had a library budget of less than $100 per year for book procurement. In reality, it would take nearly $8,000 every year per school to maintain the library collection students need to succeed. With that in mind, the Idaho Lottery worked with the Idaho Commission for Libraries to start Bucks For Books. Literacy has been a focus of Idaho Governor Brad Little since he took office in 2019. Getting all Idaho students reading at grade level by the third grade is imperative as that is the point where students transition from learning-to-read to reading-to-learn. Having a well-stocked library and the ability for all students to take books home is crucial in getting all Idaho students where they need to be.