Evans Elementary School Receives $2,000 Grant from Target

The following press release comes courtesy of Jess Lester, representing the Spring-Ford Area School District.

LIMERICK - Evans Elementary School has been awarded a $2,000 grant from Target to support its Evans R.E.A.D.S (Reading, Exploring and Discovering Stories) program, a literacy effort designed to encourage all children to read at school and at home with their families.

Evans R.E.A.D.S. is a school-wide initiative that engages every student in grades K-4 through the reading of the same book. Each Evans teacher, over a specific period of time during the school year, will read the same book to his or her classroom. Students will be engaged in the effort through morning announcements, which will include questions about the book being shared by all students.

To further enhance the effort, Principal Jacqueline Clarke Havrilla and Reading Specialist John Raber applied for a grant through Target to help fund a "Family Reading Night" where families will come to the school to learn about the school-wide book, as well as participate in read-aloud sessions, writing centers and other literacy-related workshops. The date for this year's event has not yet been determined.

"In using the school-wide read aloud approach, students at all grade levels get to enjoy the same story and this helps promote reading across grade levels. Students see that everyone can be a reader. The 'Family Reading Night' further reinforces this concept by including parents in their child's reading experience and enjoyment," said Ms. Clarke Havrilla.

This grant is part of Target's ongoing efforts to strengthen families and communities throughout the country. Since 1946, Target has given 5 percent of its income to local communities. Today, that giving equals more than $3 million every week.

"At Target, our local grants are making a difference in communities across the country," said Laysha Ward, President, Community Relations, Target. "We're proud to partner with Evans Elementary School as part of our ongoing commitment to strengthen communities where our guests and team members live and work."

Additionally, Target also gives through signature programs that are designed to inspire learning in children and families. Programs include:

• Take Charge of Education, a school fundraising program;
• Target School Library Makeovers, a program that provides year-round volunteer opportunities for Target team members to get involved with their local school;
• Target Field TripSM Grants, a program that helps educators bring learning to life outside the classroom through the distribution of grants;
• Target House, serves as a home away from home for families of children receiving lifesaving treatment at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in Memphis. The St. Jude School Program presented by Target, is staffed with accredited teachers and helps patients stay on track academically while undergoing treatments that can last months;
• Target Volunteers, a nationwide network of Target team members, retirees, families and friends who volunteer millions of hours to community projects.

About Evans Elementary

Evans Elementary is the newest elementary building in Spring-Ford Area School District.  Evans opened in the fall of 2007. The current enrollment in the K- 4 building is 626 students with a capacity of 850.

About Target

Minneapolis-based Target Corporation (NYSE:TGT) serves guests at 1,750 stores in 49 states nationwide and at Target.com. In addition, the company operates a credit card segment that offers branded proprietary credit card products. Since 1946, Target has given 5 percent of its income through community grants and programs; today, that giving equals more than $3 million a week. For more information about Target's commitment to corporate responsibility, visit Target.com/hereforgood.