To the Editor:

Our children work hard all year in school. But research shows that when summer comes, some of those learning gains can be lost. The challenge is keeping the students engaged in reading during the summer. The teachers of the Fairmont Area Schools plan to do just that.

Like many organizations, the teachers will have a float in the IHD parade scheduled for Saturday, June 13. The teachers are excited to pass out new books, bookmarks, and “property of” stickers to the children on the parade route. But we do need the communities help.

We are asking for any donation that people would like to make toward the purchase of books. We are hoping to pass out a thousand or more books. Each book costs between $1 and $4. Our fundraising internally has raised some funds but we need more.

If you would like to donate any amount, send your check to Fairmont Elementary School, c/o EMF, 714 Victoria St., Fairmont MN 56031 as soon as you can. Make the check payable to Education Minnesota Fairmont.

Our reward will be to see the smiling faces on the parade route as we pass out the books and knowing students can curl up to a good book this summer.

Thanks for your support of this community project.

Bob Millette, president

Education Minnesota Fairmont