Congratulations to Mrs. Amy Lynch, Highlands Early Childhood Center Kindergarten teacher, who was recently awarded a $750 literacy grant from the Believe in Reading Foundation. The funds were used to purchase literacy materials for all of the Kindergarten teachers at HECC.

Previously a reading specialist for the district's primary centers, Mrs. Lynch has a passion for reading and promoting early literacy skills, and the grant funds help provide the necessary resources. "The two best predictors of early reading success are alphabet recognition and phonemic awareness. The Believe in Reading grant has helped us become better equipped with the tools needed to teach phonemic awareness to our students. This tool has helped increase students' literacy skills, while instilling a love of learning," said Mrs. Lynch.

Believe in Reading is funded by The Steve and Loree Potash Family Foundation, and is based in Cleveland, Ohio. Believe in Reading funds excellent programs dedicated to the teaching and encouragement of reading for all ages anywhere in the world.