The King’s Academy (TKA) in Dallas is one of 205 schools from 43 states across the country to receive a $5,000 grant through the Laura Bush Foundation for America’s Libraries. The grant recipients’ library collections are outdated, averaging approximately 20 years old. Many of the libraries will use the funds to update their collection, offer more dual language titles, and provide books focused on diversity and inclusivity.
“There are many students who don’t have books at home, so having access to a library at school is essential,” Mrs. Laura Bush said. “With the grants, school libraries across the nation can restock and update their collections providing opportunities for students for years to come.”
The King’s Academy serves children in South Dallas whose parents desire a school focused on equipping each student with the knowledge, skills and confidence to succeed through a highly interactive and personalized curriculum. The King’s Academy predominately serves families and children in the 75215 zip code and the surrounding areas. Many families in this area live at or below the poverty line. To make an exemplary education accessible to inner-city families, 95% of TKA's operational support comes from the generosity of individuals and organizations.
“The resources that a school library provides play a fundamental role in the school's instructional program,” said Dr. Shailendra Thomas, Head of School at The King’s Academy. “This library grant from The Laura Bush Foundation for America's Libraries will provide the needed resources to enhance our library collection, which will have a direct impact on our academic program and student success.”
Mrs. Bush also revealed her 2021 summer reading list, which includes recommendations for young readers through middle schoolers. Selections highlight books focused on diversity, inclusion and kindness; and the list features a title by the late Beverly Cleary.
“The summer reading list is a great resource for parents and caregivers,” Mrs. Bush said. “As libraries open back up all over our country, I hope children will take the list to their local library and borrow each of the featured titles. It is so important that all kids keep reading over summer break.”
The Laura Bush Foundation for America’s Libraries supports school libraries with the greatest needs with the goal of encouraging all students to develop a love of reading and learning. Since its inception in 2002, it has awarded more than $16 million to more than 2,800 schools across the country.
The Laura Bush Foundation is managed as a restricted fund at the George W. Bush Presidential Center in Dallas, Texas. More information can be found at www.bushcenter.org. Housed within the George W. Bush Presidential Center, the George W. Bush Institute is an action-oriented, nonpartisan, policy organization with the mission of developing leaders, advancing policy, and taking action to solve today’s most pressing challenges. Through three Impact Centers — Domestic Excellence, Global Leadership, and an Engagement Agenda — the Bush Institute delivers measurable results that save and improve lives. To learn more, visit www.BushCenter.org.
The King’s Academy in South Dallas partners with families to provide children an exemplary Kingdom education by investing in the whole child: spiritually, academically and emotionally. The school opened in 2018 and currently serves 48 students in grades Pre-K through 2 while adding an additional grade each school year. The King’s Academy offers families a faith-based education that focuses on the heart, mind, and soul of the students. Through a collaborative effort with Prestonwood Baptist Church, several existing community ministries and programs, Prestonwood Christian Academy developed strategic partnerships to not just start a school—but, to plant people. These people are children today, but tomorrow they will be doctors, lawyers, businessmen and businesswomen, educators, ministers, fathers, mothers, and community leaders! To be a part of a solution and transformation, please partner with TKA by visiting www.tkadallas.org/donate.