Level the Playing Field in Sponsorship Of Catholic Academy Scholastic Book Fair
On Monday morning, March 23rd, and all through the week that followed, the Stamford-based Catholic Academy hosted their annual Scholastic Book Fair.
At the fair, students from preK-3 through 8th grade middle schoolers had the opportunity, along with their parents, to visit a specially constructed for this event “scholastic storefront” where families and students shopped for books for the students to read.
CAS is Stamford’s primary diocesan Catholic Pre-k to Grade 8 school. Stamford-based organization, Level the Playing Field, has partnered with the Catholic Academy for years. Education assistance to children with special needs is one of the three tenants or pillars of Level the Playing Field’s mission.
“The Scholastic Book Fair is one of the most exciting events of the year for CAS.”, states Jenna Watts, interim co-chair and a board member at Level the Playing Field. It was at one of the bookfairs several years ago that Jenna, along with other volunteer moms, noticed that several of the students were sitting out on “Purchase Day”, not having the funds to purchase any books.
“We immediately went to Level the Playing Field, which has a special interest in education and students, especially those with special needs,” adds Jenna. “LTPF contributed to the school’s “Book Fairy” account so that no child moving forward would ever have to leave the book fair empty-handed.”
LTPF produced 250 special colorful book bags for this year’s event that students used to carry their books and materials from the fair. LTPF also provides a yearly grant to CAS to support their summer program for the children not at grade level in June, to receive extra assistance over the summer.
“Perhaps the inscription on the bags themselves says our role best”, states Ken D’Andrea, Executive Director and Founder of Level the Playing Field:
Level the Playing Field supports CAS’ efforts to provide resources to all students, including those with learning differences, to ensure we can help provide a Catholic education to all who seek it.”
Level the Playing Field has also recently given a grant to Dolan Middle School in Stamford for the installation of a puppet theatre in their special needs classrooms. “We’re proud of our work in education and all the other areas we make an impact in.” concludes D’Andrea.
For more information on Level the Playing Field, contact Michael Macari, Media Relations at michael@mmc-communications.com , or, 203-359-8777.