The 5 p.m. event is to highlight the efforts of the school's more than 1,000 students who read a combined total of nearly 1.5 million minutes in order to raise $44,000 through a public Read-a-thon.
The Read-a-thon idea was conceived by the Parent Teacher Association (PTA); Franco Miele, the school's principal; and his staff.
“The outcome of the annual Read-a-thon is this amazing new library that our children can enjoy for years to come. It is the result of a wonderful collaboration among the school’s PTA, the school district and local businesses to benefit our students," Miele said. "It is one among many fantastic examples of what a special school community we have at Ward.”
A number of businesses worked with the PTA and the school district to complete the library renovation, including:
- TC Chou of Design Determination (donated all design services)
- Ottavio’s Woodworking (bookcases and check-out area)
- Ramos Upholstery (reading cubby cushions)
The school district’s professional painters provided the finishing touches with a new paint color and new ceiling tiles.
Albert Leonard Middle School National Junior Honor Society candidates also helped unpack library materials in preparation for the grand reopening.
William B. Ward Elementary School is located at 311 Broadfield Road in New Rochelle.
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