Support for Books with Diverse Protagonists

Frannie Reilly

A check for $13,000 was presented to the Wallingford-Swarthmore School District at the School Board’s meeting on November 25 by Frannie Reilly and Elizabeth Ross, president and vice president of the Foundation for the Wallingford-Swarthmore Schools. Founded in 2010, the foundation is an independent, nonprofit organization that supports innovation and excellence in WSSD.

The money, which will be equally distributed among grades K-12, will support R.E.A.D: Reading for Education, Acceptance, and Diversity. The goal of R.E.A.D is to enhance the district’s libraries with literature that celebrates diversity. Books featuring an array of central characters of different cultures, ethnicities, gender identities, abilities, and backgrounds will be purchased.

Whooping Cough Outbreak 

Also at the meeting, Superintendent Dr. Lisa Palmer informed the district that, since the beginning of the school year, eight cases of pertussis (whooping cough) have been diagnosed among district students. The number reflects an overall national increase in outbreaks over the last few years, Palmer said. She added that, although all eight students are receiving medical attention, everyone should be cautious and remember to use good hygiene. She also informed the audience that WSSD’s cleaning staff will take extra measures to stop the spread of this highly contagious disease. A fact sheet about whooping cough is available at swat.ink/pertussis.