Scarborough Elementary School made history when it received the Barbara Bush Literary Foundation’s 100,000th My Home Library. During a celebration on campus, all 620 students received a My Home Library package, which featured six new books for students to start their own collection at home.

Barbara Bush Houston Literacy Foundation President and CEO Julie Baker Finck, Barbara Bush Houston Literacy Foundation Chairman Neil Bush, HISD Superintendent Millard House, Scarborough ES Principal Miriam Medina, the Scarborough orchestra, and mariachi students from HISD’s mariachi program all took part in the historic presentation.

“The impact that book ownership will have on our school is truly life-changing, and we are thrilled they will have essential tools at home to practice their reading skills and foster their love for reading,” Medina said.

The foundation’s My Home Library program aims to empower children to become competent and confident through book ownership, which proactively can help students achieve their grade-appropriate reading achievement level.

Superintendent House took some time to reflect on the importance of reading while growing up as a student who had to overcome dyslexia. House also noted that he reads to his own children for at least 30 minutes prior to them going to sleep. House views the collaboration with Barbara Bush Literary Foundation as another piece of the puzzle that includes community involvement.

“Our HISD educators know that it takes a holistic approach that includes parents, teachers and community members to ensure the success of our students,” House said.