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Principal Dr. Gerardo Leal Eradicating Illiteracy

Writer's picture: Joy SaxtonJoy Saxton

Updated: Feb 19, 2024


Dr. Leal and Joy Saxton

Principal Gerardo Leal Ed.D. and I are at Neff Early Learning Center in Houston, TX. Disney & First Book Washington DC donated the books to schools with low-income families in a pilot program called "Eradicating Illiteracy" since 2013. A student at the Neff School said, "I love my new books because I am going to be a heart doctor. I will fix people's hearts so they feel good. Then they will do good things." I loved participating with the Rotary Club and helping with giving out the donations from the First Book Organization. I have done many performances and readings with my book series at Neff Elementary.

The First Book Organization donated, in retail value, $65,999 worth of books to Neff Early Learning Center students. The shipping and handling costs were donated by the Rotary Club of Sharpston and Rotarians. All students made an agreement to read to others and teach others to read, which they do. All these partners came together for the good of our children.

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Not only did Ms. Saxton talk to our students about the creative process of writing and illustrating a book, but they learned about the business side of publishing a book as well! 

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