The Socorro AFT, a Socorro ISD partner in education, distributed more than 7,000 free books to students in the district this fall as part of the American Federation of Teachers What Kids and Communities Need book giveaway campaign.
The book distribution took place at Escontrias STEAM Academy and Paso Del Norte Fine Arts Academy in August and Col. Ben Narbuth, Hueco, and Bill Sybert schools in October.
The distribution is also part of AFT’s Reading Opens the World literacy initiative, which is a 12-month cross country tour to distribute one million books, in conjunction with First Book, to support local educators, parent projects and events.
The books distributed at the events included diverse titles, bilingual literature, and books with an educational focus, such as STEAM.
National AFT Vice President Evelyn DeJesus made a special visit to El Paso for the book distributions and emphasized how students should embrace their superpower of being bilingual.
“We are excited to be here giving books away today,” DeJesus said. “The kids are especially excited because many of these books are bicultural and showcase kids just like them.”
SISD superintendent Nate Carman, Ed.D., expressed gratitude to AFT for the generous donation.
“Today is about literacy,” Dr. Carman said. “We appreciate the dedication of AFT to literacy, reading and comprehension, which are so important.”
Socorro AFT President Veronica Hernandez said she was excited to be part of the national campaign.
“We are here to make sure we are giving back to our community and helping students succeed in the classroom,” Hernandez said.
Irlanda Rodriguez, a fourth-grade student at Escontrias STEAM Academy, said it was exciting to have district leaders read to the students.
“I loved that they read to us,” Rodriguez said, “I like reading because you can learn new things, like a new language.”
Nico Palomino, a fifth-grade student at Paso Del Norte Fine Arts Academy, said the book distribution was a cool experience.
“Reading is fun because it pulls you into the book, allows you to make connections, and allows you to relate to things you enjoy,” Palomino said.
Gael Delgado, a third-grade student at Paso Del Norte Fine Arts Academy, said he was excited to get a new book because reading helps you learn.
“It’s fun to get new books and have new experiences,” Delgado said. “I’m very grateful for my new book.”
Col. Ben Narbuth Elementary celebrated with cheerleaders from Eastlake High School to pump up students and get them excited about reading.
“I think the people who brought us these books are really nice and kind, so I really appreciate the book I received today,” said Renata Romero, a third-grade student at Col. Ben Narbuth Elementary.
Hueco Elementary had special guests, readers from the district and the surrounding El Paso community
Ruby Garza, a deputy with the El Paso County Sheriff's Office and special guest reader, said it is important to have community outreach between law enforcement agencies and local school districts.
“We want the kids to see and understand our presence,” Garza said. “So being invited to read to them today was enjoyable.”
Mia Orozco, a fifth-grade student at Bill Sybert Elementary, said she was excited to pick out her free book.
“It’s important to have this support for our reading to help with our education,” Orozco said. “I love reading so I can’t wait to read my new book.”
Escontrias STEAM Academy book distribution event photos
Paso Del Norte Fine Arts Academy book distribution event photos
Col. Ben Narbuth Elementary book distribution event photos
Hueco Elementary book distribution event photos
Bill Sybert School book distribution event photos
Published December 1, 2022
Strategic Direction: College and Career Readiness