University of St. Francis book fair to benefit Joliet grade schools
Libraries at Farragut and A.O. Marshall grade schools will benefit from a Scholastic Book Fair, Nov. 1-3 at the University of St. Francis in Joliet. Parents, children, teachers and community members are invited to the fair which will feature specially priced books and educational products, including newly released works, award-winning titles, children’s classics, books in Spanish, interactive software and current bestsellers from more than 150 publishers. The fair will have a special medieval theme: Enter the Kingdom of Reading—Where Books Rule!
USF will host the book fair from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. each day in the Moser Lounge, near the cafeteria in Tower Hall. "The Book Fair will bring children, teachers and families together within a school and community to celebrate reading and learning," said John Gambro, USF College of Education dean.
The fair will raise funds for the university’s College of Education’s Professional Development Schools in District 86. The University of St. Francis, in collaboration with Joliet Grade School District 86, is participating in a $6.99 million grant program from the U.S. Department of Education’s Teacher Quality Enhancement Program (TQE) awarded to the Associated Colleges of Illinois (ACI). USF and District 86 are creating Professional Development Schools at Farragut and A.O. Marshall Elementary Schools. Professional Development Schools are innovative institutions formed through partnerships between professional education programs and P–12 schools to help meet the needs of district students as well as enhance the teacher preparation opportunities and experiences.
Fair attendees can help build classroom libraries by purchasing books for the College of Education partner schools. Book fair proceeds will also be used to purchase essential classroom resources and support school projects.
Sponsorships are available. Area businesses interested in making a donation are asked to call 740-3528.
The University of St. Francis serves 4,100 students nationwide. The university offers 60 areas of undergraduate study including in elementary and secondary education, special education and music education. Twelve graduate programs are offered including the Master of Education with Certification for people with undergraduate degrees in areas other than education who would like to pursue a teaching career. Advanced education programs are offered in Educational Leadership, Reading Specialist and Teaching and Learning. For more information about University of St. Francis programs, visit www.stfrancis.edu.