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The new “Tiger Reads” summer reading program, spearheaded by SPHS English teacher Mark Afram and Librarian Shelee Wilkerson, allows students and teachers across all grades and subjects to use the selected books within their curricula. The program’s hope is three-fold: to increase student literacy, foster a love of reading and raise awareness of various social issues.
One of the goals of the program is to provide each student with a book. This is powerful for several reasons. First, a surprising number of students today – even in South Pasadena – do not own books in their homes. Second, we want to increase student engagement with the text, and we encourage youth to highlight, annotate and comment in the margins of the book they receive. Finally, the program seeks to cultivate a legacy of reading, as a literate, engaged citizenry is the key to the success of our democracy.
SPHS alums can support “Tiger Reads” by contributing to the Library Fund, which was established by SPHSAA founder and former Librarian Mary Ida Phair. The program’s fundraising goal is $15,000 in addition to funds that have already been raised this school year.
If you wish to make a donation to the “Tiger Reads” summer reading program, please send checks with “MIP (Mary Ida Phair) Summer Reading” in the memo portion to:
Shelee Wilkerson
South Pasadena High School
1401 Fremont Ave.
South Pasadena CA 91030
Thank you!
