Kingston Life Members Club of Telecom Pioneers' member Ms. Ella Martinek (center) shows Monticello Schools Superintendent Dr. Patrick Michel (right) and Assistant Superintendent Ms. Kathleen Pagano-Fuller, a copy of the dictionary her group plans to donate to all Monticello 4th grade students.

Two local groups are helping the Monticello Central School District enhance its student’s literacy. The Monticello Elks Lodge #1544 and the Kingston Life Members Club of Telecom Pioneers each chose the district to receive this year’s charitable donation consisting of brand new dictionaries for every 3rd and 4th grade student.

Ms. Ella Martinek of Monticello, a member of the local chapter of the Kingston Life Members Club of Telecom Pioneers, an organization comprised of retired telephone company employees from the greater Hudson Valley area, recently met with Superintendent of Schools Dr. Patrick Michel and Assistant Superintendent Ms. Kathleen Pagano-Fuller, to show them a copy of “The Student’s Dictionary.” The organization plans to donate 230 copies of the dictionary, one for each 4th grade student in the district.

Monticello 3rd grade students celebrate their new found "key to knowledge."  Every student was presented with their very own dictionary by the Monticello Elks Club.

In an independent gesture, representatives from the Monticello Elks Lodge #1544 recently delivered copies of the same dictionary to the Rutherford, Duggan and Chase schools so that each of their 268 3rd grade students could have their own copy to use in school or take home.

Monticello Elks Lodge #1544 Exalted Ruler Ronnie Scannell presents the first of 268 dictionaries to one of Monticello's 3rd grade students.  Ms. Scannell, who began the dictionary donation program this year when she became the organization's leader, said it was one of her top priorities.

According to the Elk’s Exalted Ruler Ronnie Scannell, beginning the dictionary donation program has always been one of her top priorities. “I’ve wanted to do this for years,” stated Scannell. “It is so important that the students get their very own dictionary so that they can use it throughout their schooling.” The Elk’s Club plans to make this a permanent part of its regular yearly community-giving program.

Both Dr. Michel and Ms. Pagano-Fuller were very thankful and appreciative of the generous gifts.

     

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