At the Mt. Vernon Education Foundation, we believe that every child deserves the tools to thrive—especially when it comes to learning how to read. When Fortville Elementary’s second-grade teachers approached us with a simple yet powerful request—to fund Scholastic News subscriptions for every second-grade student—we knew it was more than a magazine. It was an opportunity to impact every classroom, every child.

Second grade is a pivotal year. It’s when students shift from learning to read, to reading to learn. It’s also the year when comprehension, fluency, and confidence become essential building blocks—not only for future academic success, but for life.

We heard from Fortville’s educators about the importance of nonfiction texts in supporting student growth, how Scholastic News engages young minds with real-world stories, relevant topics, and kid-friendly current events. But what really stood out to us was the equity behind the request: they didn’t want just a few classrooms to benefit. They wanted every second grader at Fortville Elementary to have access—regardless of their background or reading level.

Because of this grant, every second-grade classroom was equipped with a valuable tool that not only enhances literacy instruction but builds curiosity and connection. One teacher shared how students look forward to “Scholastic News Day,” eagerly diving into articles and practicing important skills like identifying text features, summarizing key ideas, and reading aloud with confidence. Another shared how these stories spark class discussions, helping kids make sense of the world and discover their voice.

By investing in this program of almost $1000, the Foundation wasn’t just funding a resource—we were investing in kids’ potential. We were saying to each child, your learning matters, your growth matters, and you deserve every opportunity to succeed.

This is why we do what we do.