Key Takeaways:
1. Continued Success and Funding: For the second consecutive year, the 6–8 ELA team (Mrs. Dishong, Mrs. Sparke, and Mr. Greer) has been awarded a $1,250 grant from The Findlay-Hancock County Community Foundation.
2. Focus on Digital Nonfiction and Comprehension: The grant is specifically used to provide students with a diverse selection of high-interest digital nonfiction texts. The curriculum focuses on building essential academic skills, such as analyzing, summarizing, and evaluating informational texts to foster critical thinking.
3. Real-World Application and Inclusion: The program bridges the gap between the classroom and the real world by connecting reading to careers and current events through guest speakers and research projects.
Van Buren Middle School is proud to announce that the 6–8 ELA team of Mrs. Karen Dishong, Mrs. Erin Sparke, and Mr. Adam Greer has once again been awarded a $1,250 HancockREADS grant from The Findlay-Hancock County Community Foundation for 2026. This marks the second consecutive year the team has received this grant, allowing them to continue and expand their work increasing students’ access to a diverse selection of high-interest nonfiction digital texts in their ELA Growth classes.
Building on last year’s success, the grant will further increase students’ exposure to engaging and relevant nonfiction materials that support literacy development. The ELA team will continue implementing structured nonfiction reading activities designed to strengthen students’ comprehension skills. These activities focus on analyzing, summarizing, and evaluating informational texts, fostering critical thinking and academic growth.
In addition to strengthening comprehension, the program continues to promote real-world learning by connecting nonfiction reading to practical experiences. Students will participate in discussion groups, research projects, and guest speaker opportunities, helping them make connections between their reading and careers, current events, and everyday life. This approach encourages students to see the value of nonfiction beyond the classroom.
The renewed funding also allows for continued support of all learners through differentiated instruction and targeted scaffolding strategies. These resources ensure that students at varying reading levels can engage with nonfiction texts confidently and successfully.
The Findlay-Hancock County Community Foundation’s mission is to improve the quality of life for all residents in Hancock County. Established in 1992 through an estate gift from L. Dale Dorney, the foundation has awarded more than $75 million to support projects that benefit the community.
Receiving the HancockREADS grant for a second year reflects both the success of the program and the foundation's ongoing commitment to supporting literacy and education. This continued partnership is helping Van Buren Middle School students build essential skills that will serve them throughout their academic journeys and beyond.