Date: December 12, 2007

Second graders in the Rochester City School District are each receiving a 2008 calendar that promotes reading thanks to a local company and a non-profit group.

For the second consecutive year, Wegmans is contributing full-color calendars supporting literacy to District students through Rochester Education Foundation's “Give Back, Give Books” program.

A total of 3,000 "Read to Me and I Will Be at Home with Books" calendars are being donated to second graders throughout the District this month. They are being distributed through city school librarians, who are reviewing the calendars and their positive messages about reading with the children.

On Thursday, December 13 at 1:30 p.m., representatives from Wegmans and Rochester Education Foundation will present calendars to second graders at Helen Barrett Montgomery School No. 50, 301 Seneca Avenue, in the library. The event will also include a reading activity.

“This donation gives families an opportunity to emphasize to their children the joy of reading and to create a positive atmosphere for reading at home,” said Interim Superintendent of Schools Dr. William C. Cala. “It supports the work our schools do every day to encourage good reading habits.” 
 
"This is a terrific gift from Wegmans that offers tips for students and families to make reading a part of everyday home life," said Patricia Braus, executive director of Rochester Education Foundation. “It is a valuable and helpful gift for city students.”

The calendars are valued at $9.95 each.
Last year, Wegmans donated calendars with a reading theme to RCSD kindergartners.

Rochester Education Foundation is a not-for-profit organization that provides tools for success for city students and cultivates community partnerships with schools. Through REF’s “Give Back, Give Books” program, more than 13,000 new books have been donated to city school students and school libraries. 
For more information, visit www.rochestereducation.org or www.givebackgivebooks.org.