Students at eight Houston ISD schools have been improving their literacy skills through a program created by FotoFest, and you have a chance to check out their work.

Literacy Through Photography utilizes photography as a tool to develop basic learning skills, particularly writing and critical thinking, for students in grades 3-12. It includes a curriculum aligned to state standards, professional development for teachers, and artist-educator residency programs for students in both in-school and after-school environments.

Houston ISD has been involved in Literacy Through Photography since the program began in 1990. The schools that participated in the program this year are: Askew ES, Helms ES, Davis HS, Pleasantville ES, Roberts ES, Ross ES, Sam Houston MSTC, and Wharton Dual Language Academy.

Students from Helms ES, Davis HS, Roberts ES, Sam Houston MSTC and Wharton Dual Language Academy will show off some of their work in the program – photography, writing, video, and mixed-media artwork – in an exhibition called FotoFence at the Winter Street Studios, 2101 Winter St., from May 24-31. Admission is free.