Whitaker Elementary and the Finneytown Secondary Campus have received two $5,000 Lowe's Toolbox for Education grants. The Whitaker grant will purchase 50 Nook Simple Touch e-readers with protective covers to be housed in the Whitaker library. The Finneytown Secondary Campus grant will purchase "Playaway All-in-One Audiobooks." We are thrilled to announce the Lowe's has awarded the Finneytown Local Schools funding for the e-readers and audiobooks. Our grant application was based on the goal of improving the learning communities of both the elementary and high school/middle schools. We look forward to sharing the e-readers and audiobooks for learning excellence with the Finneytown school community.
The Playaway Audio Book is unlike CDs, Audio Cassesstes or Downloads. The Playaway does not need a separate player as it comes with pre-loaded and ready to use HD audio content making it simple for patrons to use and the library to circulate. Students can pair a Playaway with the print edition of a book to improve literacy, comprehension, and retention. Playaway levels the playing field and creates equal access to books for all students. Visually impaired students are no longer confined to a large player in order to enjoy audiobooks.
The Nook Simple Touch e-readers will allow students to borrow books from the library and read them using the newest technology that kids are eager to learn with engaging, hands-on activities.
"Our school and community will greatly benefit from this grant. We wish to thank our friends at Lowe's for generously supporting these important projects," said Shawn Maus, Communications Coordinator for Finneytown Local Schools.