HELENA — This week’s One Class at a Time recipient is East Valley Middle School teacher Whitney McLaughlin.
Mclaughlin is working to foster a love of reading, even for the most reluctant student.
Members of First Interstate Bank were joined by KXLH to surprise her at Jim Darcy Elementary with a $250 check.
The money from the grant will be used to purchase a number of graphic novels and picture books for her classroom.
Mclaughlin said not every student reads at the same level and visual books can help reluctant students learn to enjoy reading.
“We find that if kids learn to love reading now, they become lifelong readers,” said McLaughlin. “If they find books that relate to them and are engaging they will continue to be readers, and we know that readers are more successful.”
McLaughlin added she is thankful for the support and having grants that can be specifically tailored to her classroom’s needs.
For more than a decade, First Interstate Bank and MTN have partnered for the One Class at a Time grant.
The mission of the grant is to foster educational opportunities for local teachers and students.
A panel of retired teachers and school officials select the grant recipients from a pool of submitted applications.
For more information about One Class at a Time, including how to apply,visit here.
