Help support Kaneland's Rosedale Reading Project
Kaneland Harter Middle School in Sugar Grove has begun the Rosedale Reading Project in conjunction with the Rosedale Freedom Project organization in Mississippi.
It is an economically declining town in Mississippi with an approximate population of 1,800. The town library and local school district are in dire need of books for children of all ages. The nonprofit organization in town, the Rosedale Freedom Project, also is in need of resources.
Since reading is the key to success, sixth-grade students decided to collect 1,000 new books for the Rosedale youth, from prekindergarten through 12th grade. The sixth-graders also are reaching out to Kaneland Unit District 302 elementary schools and the Kaneland community to help achieve this goal by Friday, Feb. 17. Books or donations can be dropped off at Kaneland Harter Middle School, 1601 Esker Drive, or contact one of the elementary schools.
With the help of Harter teachers, Tina Schertzer and Kevin Hagan, the students have taken on leadership roles and formed committees, such as public relations, district and community outreach, video/media, and budgeting. In addition, some students have been designing a website to highlight this project and provide updates.
The Rosedale students from the Freedom Project are sending short clips and oral histories about Rosedale to show the middle school students, and Harter's video group will be sending clips to Rosedale. Currently, the middle school teachers are in the process of connecting with the Rosedale schools in order to incorporate ways for students to make connections. Harter students are excited because the Rosedale Freedom Project is raising money to bring a small group of students to the Chicago area to present their oral histories and photograph display at universities. The Freedom Fellows will get to spend a day at the Sugar Grove middle school in March, providing a great opportunity for all.
This student-led service project beautifully integrates Kaneland's 2020 Strategic Plan Vision. Through the various responsibilities, students are learning the importance of the district's core values: citizenship, integrity, responsibility, respect, and a commitment to excellence.
"By connecting with Rosedale, we are learning that no matter where you live, your economic status, or the color of your skin, all kids have much in common," Schertzer said.
To learn more about Kaneland Harter Middle School's project, visit kms.kaneland.org or follow #knights4rosedale on Twitter.
The Rosedale Freedom Project is a nonprofit organization created in 2013 by students, educators, and parents of Rosedale. They help empower students to be leaders and role models for others. At the center, teens get help with academics, preparing for SATs, creating healthy lifestyles, developing the arts. Travel opportunities for students are also an important goal for the organization. To learn more about the Freedom Project in Rosedale or to explore other ways to help, visit rosedalefreedom.org.