Mary Rice, English teacher at Springville Jr. High, received a grant for sets of novels from the Nebo Education Foundation.

"This grant will be used to purchase a classroom novel set as well as a companion informational text based on the historical incident profiled in the novelization. My colleague has arranged for author Chris Crowe, who wrote both of these texts, to visit our school after the students read.

Historical fiction is important for humanizing the figures who make up our history. It is only when story breathes life into names that young people can see the complexities of their world. Informational text adds to students' ability to read their world as well," Rice said.

"Strategic, intentional exposure to informational text assists students to acquire the skills for making sense of the type of academic prose necessary to build an opportunity structure.

The alchemy of narrative and exposition prepares students to maximize their participation in democratic discourse. I appreciate the Nebo Foundation and their donors who take seriously a commitment to helping teachers attend to mission of public schools, that is, to make a public."

Foundation past-president Natalie Clyde remarked, "It is a pleasure to receive the grant applications and see how remarkable and creative the Nebo District teachers are.

The Nebo Education Foundation facilitates these grant monies to help teachers realize their ideas and the students' potential. As a foundation, we get to see a glimpse at how well our teachers are instructing our students. Our teachers are truly talented and utilize every penny. They do such a great job!"

Businesses and individuals are welcome to donate to the Nebo Education Foundation. You can specify a specific school, classroom or program to donate to. The extra help through additional funding gives Nebo students the advantage of enhanced learning. For more information about the tax deductible donation to Nebo Education Foundation, please contact Lana Hiskey at Nebo School District, 354-7400, e-mail lana.hiskey@nebo.edu or mail 350 South Main, Spanish Fork, UT 84660.