Former Security Health Plan Employee Donates to Literacy Program
Wednesday, November 1st, 2017 -- 8:00 AM
-What if you could promote literacy without a single book?Marshfield Middle School is trying, by first creating a space for reading to take place: The Parents Are Willing Supporters (P.A.W.S.) Committee is raising funds to create a literacy garden at the middle school, imagined as an outdoor sanctuary and open air classroom for reading, reflection and relaxation. Pam Jirschele believed in this project so much she made sure to nominate it for one of Security Health Plan’s monthly $1,000 Employee-Driven Corporate Giving awards before her retirement. After nearly 30 years at Security Health Plan, Jirschele wanted to multiply her efforts to give back: She’s part of “TEAM 1970,” a group of classmates that is collaborating with P.A.W.S. to make the Literacy Garden a reality.
The idea has been implemented in other school districts with success, but would be unique among schools in the Marshfield area. The Literacy Garden would welcome students before and after school, during study halls as an earned incentive, and through classes making use of the open air and environment. The Literacy Garden will offer two outdoor classrooms and additional individual reading areas. But the useful space doesn’t come free: The estimated cost of the project is $25,000. P.A.W.S. has made a commitment to raise all the funds for the Literacy Garden, so no tax dollars will be used.
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