Springer Parent Shares Her Children’s Book with Students
February 2, 2021
Springer Hosts African Drummer Helen Bond
May 6, 2021
Springer School and Center received a gift of 100 nonfiction books in March, enough for each Middle School student to have their own copy of a book of their choice to read and discuss in small groups. The group discussions were part of a unit on informational text reading in Literature classes. "I chose to read Apollo 13 because it's something I'm interested in," said a sixth-grade student. "It's fun to discuss the book in a group with three other kids. Thank you to Dreams Come True!"
The books were a gift from Cincinnati Dreams Come True, a nonprofit organization run by Barbara and Jay Wittenbaum who live in Blue Ash. Cincinnati Dreams Come True was launched in 1982 with the mission of making dreams happen for children with life-threatening illnesses or other significant life challenges. Over the years, the organization has arranged meetings with presidents, music and sports stars, given children new computers, clothing or toys, and helped students in need to finance their educations.
This year's pandemic made granting some of the traditional kinds of gifts difficult or impossible, so the Wittenbaums turned to making gifts of books to area schools. "The best gift that you can give a child is the gift of a book," said Barbara Wittenbaum. "Reading is fun, increases your vocabulary and encourages you to become the best student."
Barbara read about Springer's mission to empower students with learning disabilities to lead successful lives and reached out to the school about making a gift. Springer Curriculum Director Diane Houghton realized the offer as an opportunity for Middle School students to choose nonfiction books in their area of interest to read in small "book clubs" together. "This generous donation has provided our students with books that are in their area of interest," Houghton observed. "They will be perfect for the book clubs to read and enjoy during their study of nonfiction text."
If you would like to contact Cincinnati Dreams Come True, Inc., the organization can be reached at PO Box 42890, Cincinnati, Ohio, 45242. You can find Springer School and Center at Springer-LD.org.
