Let's Turn Books into Bricks

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      Later this month, seventh graders at Dixon Middle School will be turning books into bricks. That's right! In an ambitious effort to promote student literacy, cultivate global awareness, and encourage service-learning, Dixon's English Department is sponsoring a Read-a-Thon. This three week-long initiative, called "Reading for Hope", will raise funds to build a school in Mali, Africa. In Mali nearly two-thirds of the more than 11,700 rural villages have no schools.
      Participating students will solicit pledges and donations beginning March 15th and continuing through April 4th. On that day we will celebrate the generosity of students, families, community members, and business leaders in a cultural and literary event in Dixon's Library from 6:30 to 8:30 pm.  Representatives of the Utah-based Mali Rising Foundation will be on hand to receive our donation, as well as education and community leaders.
      As part of our "Reading For Hope" initiative, we are proud to announce that Dixon Middle School has been chosen to host "Faces of Mali", an exhibit celebrating life in the West African nation. Made possible by the generosity of the Utah Arts Council, this exhibit will help students and community members feel a closer connection to the people we're working so hard to help. We invite students and families to visit this striking gallery of framed photographs in our library at any time during school hours.
      If you would like information about how to support our Read-a-Thon, please contact Lon Young at lony@provo.edu, or visit our school website at www.dms.provo.edu.