"Libraries provide the necessary tools to not only fight illiteracy but also give students the opportunity to explore and expand on their ideas and interests," Snowe and Collins said in a joint statement. "These project funds will serve almost 400 students and their families, thereby giving these communities critical educational resources and support." Katahdin Elementary School (KES) has been awarded a $106,845 grant that will aid the KES Library Project to establish a quality, up-to-date, technologically advanced library media center incorporating instructional materials aligned with current classroom curricula. The project will also hire a professionally certified library media specialist and provide on-going professional development to staff in the area of literacy instruction and assessment. The East Grand School has been awarded a $70,337 grant that they will use to: increase the number of books available to students and teachers that are aligned to the literacy curriculum; extend opportunities for students and families to use the library after school and during summer vacation to motivate students to become independent learners; and provide training in the Early Literacy Skills for teachers, staff, and parents.
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