Jellick Digital Literacy Center Opening Ceremony

ROWLAND HEIGHTS, CA – MARCH 3, 2008 – Thanks to a grant of $132,000 by Los Angeles County Supervisor Gloria Molina, families and residents surrounding Jellick Elementary School in Rowland Heights will enjoy a new Digital Literacy Center. Opening on March 7, the center will provide students and the community access to 15 laptop computers with a variety of software, including programs to assist with English language skills development or to learn other languages. All computers can access the Internet and printers.  A Community Laptop Program allows residents the ability to check-out a computer after completion of 12 hours of computer training. A total of 20 laptops are available for use.

                The grant has also created an extensive bilingual book section to the school’s new Wonder of Reading Library, where adult and children’s books are now available in the native languages of Spanish, Korean and Chinese.  Two additional computers were also added for research use.

                The grand opening program for the Jellick Elementary Digital Literacy Center will take place at 10 a.m. on March 7. Special guests include Erica Santos, field director for Los Angeles County Supervisor Gloria Molina and Rowland Unified Superintendent Dr. Maria Ott.  Jellick Kindergartners will perform for the crowd. Following the ceremony, a Community Read-In will take place, where members of the community are invited to read to students in celebration of Read Across America Week.

                “The community of Jellick is so thankful to Supervisor Gloria Molina for her belief in helping bridge the digital divide,” said Jellick Principal Helene Zimmerman. “Being literate is more than the ability to read and comprehend a book; it is the ability to access and share information in our global world.”

                The Jellick Digital Literacy Center will open for the first time for the public on Saturday, March 18 from 9 – Noon. The kick-off program will feature “Build a Book,” sponsored by the Jellick PTA. Families can create a book together that they can take home and enjoy for years to come.  The Literacy Center will feature special family activities throughout the year.

                The Jellick Digital Literacy Center and Wonder of Reading Library normal public hours are Wednesdays and Fridays from 3 – 5 p.m. and on selected Saturdays.

                Jellick Elementary is located at 1400 S. Jellick Avenue in Rowland Heights. For more information on the Wonder of Reading Library and the Digital Literacy Center, please contact Jellick Principal Helene Zimmerman at (626) 964-1275.