REFUGIO – The Refugio Elementary and High School Libraries, along with the seventh and eighth grades, were awarded in September the Innovative Approaches to Literacy Grant titled “RISE,” Reading for Imagination Success and Education. Through the grant, the students are reaping the benefits.

The Kitten Express newspaper is able to continue its publication, and digital mentors have been implemented as well. The digital mentors are students who will receive a variety of technology training and in turn will train others through the libraries’ extended hours.

Sixth-graders Heather Wineman, Makala Arzola, Gabriella Gonzales and Nicole Martin were selected to fill these positions.

“The group took a trip to Refugio Mission Ridge Nursing Home last Thursday to spread a bit of Christmas cheer,” said Twyla Thomas, elementary principal.

Students read to the residents and sang Christmas songs while they were there. Partnering with RES is the Boys and Girls Club. At the club, a young author’s class is being created whereby students are developing their own story with added illustrations.

The high school library is also a part of this grant. A seventh- and eighth-grade book club has started and students are reading Gregor the Overlander.

The students are reading the book on Kindles that were recently purchased through the grant.