Kindergartners Jump on Reading

Bing Wong Elementary School kindergartners will get a jump on reading thanks to a grant awarded to the school recently during a joyous, song-filled celebration. Representatives from the Masons of California presented the grant as part of the organization’s Public Schools Month, the statewide annual celebration of students, teachers, and administrators in California’s public schools. The grant will help create the school’s Raising a Reader program, aimed at providing kindergartners with high-quality books, as well as tools families can use at home to encourage reading and language development. “We are proud to partner with the San Bernardino City Unified School District and with Bing Wong Elementary School,” said Russ Charvonia, the Masons’ deputy grand master. “We know early literacy is important to all of you.” Superintendent Dr. Dale Marsden welcomed the new partnership with the Masons of California because it helps young students get a good start on their path toward college and careers. “This is an investment not only in our children and families but our entire community,” Marsden said. “These are the types of partnerships we want in our network of alliances.” The grant awarded to Bing Wong Elementary is part of the Masons’ $1.2 million investment in 400 kindergarten classrooms across California.