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Richfield teachers secure Power of Teaching grant to build elementary book room; donor offers additional funds
Summary
Revere Local staff described a Power of Teaching grant to create a book room at Richfield Elementary that would provide text sets and titles for small groups, author studies and cross‑grade use. The donor who provided initial funding asked to remain anonymous and indicated more funds may be available via the Akron Community Foundation.
Revere Local staff described a Power of Teaching grant proposal March 18 to create a book room at Richfield Elementary, a resource intended to provide multiple copies of popular titles for small‑group reading, author studies and cross‑grade use.
Abby Lee, who presented the Richfield plan, said the book room would begin in the district conference room and would house baskets of small‑group text sets — for example, six copies of a single title so book clubs or guided reading groups can read together. Lee said the project grew from building leadership discussions in 2021–22, teacher book clubs and classroom practice that highlighted a need for more small‑group copies.
"This is an example of small ***** ***. This is a really neat grant because these books can all be used in a variety of ways," Lee said, explaining the value of title sets and cross‑grade use. She cited The Color Monster as an exemplar title and discussed using an author study of Kevin Henkes to teach themes across grades.
Donor and logistics
The presentation said an anonymous donor provided the initial Power of Teaching funds, and the donor indicated additional funding may be available based on utilization of the first round. District staff said the donor’s funds are endowed through the Akron Community Foundation and that the district has the books on display at central office for board members to review.
Curriculum and board procedures
Because the grant funds programming that becomes a curricular resource, Lee and board staff reminded members that purchases would follow the district curriculum process outlined in board policy; the board will take a related agenda item as a first read on a future docket. Lee said the book room will initially be housed in the conference room and that the plan is to expand to a larger space as the collection grows.
Teacher and student use
Lee and other presenters described multiple intended uses: small guided reading groups, student‑led book clubs and cross‑grade author studies. Staff emphasized the resource would be available to all teachers; Lee said teachers will collaborate on how to deploy baskets and text sets so kindergarten through second grade and older students can benefit.
Ending
The board received the presentation as information and the related agenda item was listed for a first read; no formal vote on the grant purchase was recorded March 18. Board members thanked the presenters and noted the donor’s offer of additional funds as the program demonstrates success.
