Birthday Cart program at Blanchard improves reading skills

With a mechanical voice singing "happy birthday" and helium balloons brightening the hallways, two retired Cape Public Schools teachers are bringing an appreciation of books and reading to Blanchard Elementary School. The innovative program is called "Birthday Cart", and over the course of a year it will give students the opportunity to choose a new book to take home during the month of their birthday. Blanchard bought the books through the Scholastic Book Fair, and Scholastic matches local funds to purchase the books and also contributes to one of three national literacy programs. In the photo below, retired teachers Karen Gibbar and Donna Sanders assist fourth graders make their book selections.