The Hornell City School District is pleased to announce that it was recently awarded a $3 million literacy grant from the U.S. Department of Education. The funds, to be distributed over the next five years, will be focused on programs and services for students in the Intermediate School. This is the second federal literacy grant received by the district since 2018..

“The funding will go a long way,” said Acting Intermediate School Principal Julie Smith, “not only in closing the gaps for those reading below grade level but also for instilling a love of reading in all students.”

Hornell Superintendent of Schools Jeremy Palotti added, “The district is thrilled to be selected once again to receive a grant of this size to support our students, faculty and community in literacy. The grant will directly impact students by providing more opportunities to grow in their literacy development in school as well as at home.” 

The previous literacy grant was geared for students in pre-kindergarten through second grade, and enabled the district to distribute free books to students from 2018-2021.  This was especially helpful during remote learning throughout the 2019-20 school year.

Librarian Jennifer Carretto said, “Literacy is power and we are overjoyed to continue in this work.” Carretto played an integral role in the distribution of the previous grant and will continue to assist in the facilitation of  the new one.

Beyond continuing book giveaways within the district, this latest grant will provide the district with the opportunity to expand Intermediate School library hours to better serve students and families, as well as present a wide-array of school wide literacy events. 

“This is an amazing opportunity to enhance the reading success for our students in all areas of education,” said Dean of Students Eileen Marino. “It will be exciting to watch the growth within the school over the next five years.”