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Oklahoma Author Alton Carter Reads to OKCPS Elementary Students
OKLAHOMA CITY (March 1, 2023) – Yesterday, Oklahoma author Alton Carter visited Spencer Elementary and Willow Brook Elementary to read to and visit with approximately 775 students as part of the Oklahoma City Public Schools Foundation's ReadOKC initiative.
ReadOKC aims to instill a love of reading in OKCPS students and the community by hosting reading challenges during school breaks, improving access to reading materials and coordinating volunteer Reading Buddies to read/mentor students. Reading and literacy has a profound effect on student success and ReadOKC brings the community into schools to encourage and motivate students to make reading part of every day.
Carter is best known for his 2015 release of The Boy Who Carried Bricks and its 2016 sequel Aging Out. Most recently, in 2018, he released a book based on his own experience as a foster child entitled The Boy Who Dreamed Big. It is the story of how a foster child is inspired by his elementary school teacher to use his imagination to overcome obstacles. Encouraged by his teacher and others, he learns that if he works hard and believes in himself, his dreams will come true and he can be whatever he wants.
“I had teachers in my life who not only supported me but empowered me with the right tools and education to get me where I am today,” Carter said. “The impact teachers have on their students cannot be overstated, which is why it’s important to me to support them. Visiting schools and reading to children is one way I get to show my appreciation for Oklahoma’s educators and inspire the next generation.”
Carter’s visit to these OKCPS elementary schools was made possible by the Foundation’s longtime partners at OU Children’s Hospital. Along with a new book, each student received complimentary OU Health bags containing ReadOKC book marks and coloring pages.
“Author visits are a special addition to our ReadOKC initiative, and Mr. Carter’s visit was the perfect way to close Black History Month,” said OKCPS Foundation President and CEO Mary Mélon-Tully. “Mr. Carter is a product of Oklahoma’s public education system who went on to accomplish great things despite some early challenges in his life, and many of our students were able to see themselves in him, walking away inspired and excited for what the future holds.”
In addition to its ReadOKC efforts, the OKCPS Foundation works to support the district’s goals and greatest needs by providing innovative teacher, classroom and school support, building advocates for OKCPS and recruiting and retaining top-quality teachers and leaders.
To volunteer with ReadOKC or to learn more about how you can support the OKCPS Foundation and local students, classrooms and teachers, visit okckids.com.
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ABOUT THE OKLAHOMA CITY PUBLIC SCHOOLS FOUNDATION
Created in 1984, the Oklahoma City Public Schools Foundation is a nonprofit organization with a mission to advance excellence, advocate for equity and build strong community support for lasting success in Oklahoma City Public Schools. The Foundation works closely with the District and business community to align strategies and priorities for sustained performance improvement. Please visit us online at www.okckids.com for more information on our focus areas and volunteer and giving opportunities.