Our World Neighborhood Charter School has been awarded a Reading First grant through the state Department of Education and Governor George E. Pataki. Reading First is a federally funded program designed to help schools improve reading skills in grades kindergarten through three.

"We have to spend $320,000 by August 1, 2004. This is a terrific position for a new school to be in. It helps us focus on reading intervention at a time when it can make the most difference. We will really be able to help our students." said Principal, Brian Ferguson. The grant will allow OWNCS to hire a reading specialist, provide additional teacher training, implement in-depth intervention for students not reading on grade level and provide after-school tutoring. "This was a competitive grant. Getting it shows we are serious about teaching our children to read," Ferguson said.

A total of 175 schools, including 84 in New York City, will receive Reading First grants. For more information, call Ferguson at 718-392-3405 ext. 201.