Submitted by: Taia R. Smith and Verlonda Proctor

HOUSTON–McCullough P. Wolridge #12 (Order of Eastern Star) delivered schools supplies to Kashmere Garden Elementary School located at 4901 Lockwood Drive. Principal Kristi Rangel King and her staff welcomed us with open arms.
Kashmere Gardens Elementary is a PK-5th grade academically acceptable rated campus that predominately serves African-American children (90%). Kashmere this year is focusing on literacy with their million word program that aims to get all children to read 1 million words during the school year (and outside of the school day). This program will increase the children’s vocabulary, comprehension and reading skills.
In the words of Sis. Chawanda Jackson, this event “touched my heart.” Did you know that Kashmere Garden Elementary didn’t have a librarian for over 7 years and that a large portion of their students are not reading at grade level? Most of the books and technology that is at Kashmere Garden Elementary was purchased in the 1990’s. That up until last year over half of the classrooms didn’t have working neither outlets nor computers.
We should have and deserve better for our children. MPW #12 will assist Kashmere Garden Elementary in meeting their 1 million word challenge by working with the Principal and staff to help them get more books (so all of you parents whose kids have grown up and you still have their old books, it’s time to clean out the closets), become reading mentors, and overall doing what we can to help our children succeed.
Kashmere Gardens Elementary has opened their doors to us to use their facility to host events and meetings, utilize their band (who is partnered with the Houston Opera) to provide music at functions, and allow us to be a service on their campus and in their community. Thank you to everyone who donated school supplies and to everyone (officers, members, Brothers of True Square #108) who came out to help deliver supplies.