“The Literacy Launchpad” | Tahoe Truckee Excellence in Education Foundation

Moderation state

funded

Grant Applicant

Ashlie Hargenrater

School Site

Truckee Elementary

Grant Category

Literacy

Grant Date

2026-06-09T12:00:00

Description

Engagement is the heartbeat of a TK classroom. By rotating our themes monthly, we create a dynamic learning environment that honors the curiosity of four-year-olds. Currently, our classroom lacks a robust collection of high-quality, age-appropriate literature to support these themes. I am seeking funding to build a comprehensive thematic library. By integrating targeted read-alouds with our monthly lessons, we will provide students with the foundational literacy skills and rich vocabulary necessary for a successful transition to Kindergarten. In addition, including books that provide students with essential tools to navigate big emotions, practice kindness, and develop foundational life skills

Benefits of Program

All TK students would benefit from this grant. A diverse, thematic library is essential for TK student success. By surrounding students with age-appropriate literature, we foster a 'print-rich' environment that accelerates vocabulary growth and literacy milestones. These books allow students to make meaningful connections between our monthly themes and the world around them, turning every read-aloud into a strategic opportunity for cognitive and linguistic development. In addition, for many of our students, this classroom library provides their primary access to high-quality, diverse literature, which is a critical factor in closing the achievement gap.

Success of Program

Every child deserves to be surrounded by stories that spark wonder and build foundational skills. While I strive to supplement our current collection with outside resources, our students need a dedicated, 'print-rich' environment they can call their own. Investing in this classroom library removes the barriers between my students and the books they need. It ensures that when a child is curious about a theme, the answer is already on our shelves, ready to foster a deep and lasting love for reading.

Implementation

The books purchased through this grant will be used daily and throughout each school year. I will use them for read-alouds as well as placing out in our library for students to explore.

Can you share this grant with your grade level or subject team?

Yes! Our TK classrooms follow a synchronized monthly curriculum and we believe in the power of a shared story. I will facilitate the sharing of these books with my colleagues. This grant won't just benefit one group of students—it will enrich our entire TK community

Sustainability

To ensure the long-term sustainability of this project, I will prioritize the hardcover editions. These durable formats are specifically chosen to withstand the enthusiastic handling of four-year-olds. Furthermore, this library serves as a primary tool for teaching stewardship and book-handling skills, ensuring these resources remain a vibrant part of our TK curriculum for years to come.

Amount Funded

$3807.00

Individual Budget Items(s)

$3500 - Books for Class Library

Shipping

$0.00

Taxes

$307.00

Other funding sources

Class Funds when available

File Uploads

Grant Book List - Sheet1.pdf (115.29 KB)

Supporting Links

Notes

As a third-year TK teacher, I began my journey with a very limited classroom library. Over the past few years, I’ve worked hard to add titles here and there, but my goal is to provide my students with a truly diverse and robust selection. I would love the opportunity to formally expand our library and foster a lifelong love of reading in my classroom.