Editor:

I am so proud and thankful to live in a community that cares for its children and supports literacy, which is such an important component to a successful future.

The Wyoming Medical Center recently launched a book drive aiming to provide each of the approximately 12,000 children who visit the hospital annually, either via the emergency room or the pediatric department, with a book to read and take home when they are released. The initiative perfectly aligns with the Natrona County School District Board of Trustee�s Goal No. 1 - Literate students: "All NCSD students will read at grade level by the end of third grade."

The district has outlined three methods by which to achieve this goal: 1) Build a predictive assessment system that will support continuous improvement in the classroom, 2) Develop and support high-performing classrooms that focus on learner needs and address individual students, and 3) Partner with parents and the community to strengthen early literacy skills for children from birth to age 5.

Of course, the need to be literate doesn�t stop at third grade. In order to accomplish NCSD�s third goal, prepared graduates, we must encourage reading proficiency among all of our students.

The hospital has put a lot of hard work into improving the futures of our children physically, mentally, and emotionally. However, it is the responsibility of each and every member of this community, and the hospital surely could use our help to provide books for 12,000 kids. Please, donate new or like-new books (without writing and tears) for children from birth to 18 years old. Collection boxes are located at the hospital at the South Link Information Desk at the main entrance and the emergency room registration desk; Casper Recreation Center; or the Natrona County School District's Central Services Facility, 970 N. Glenn Rd.

On behalf of the Natrona County School District and Board of Trustees, I want to sincerely thank the Wyoming Medical Center for its efforts to improve the lives of our children.

DR. JOEL DVORAK, Casper

Superintendent, Natrona County School District