Spread the Word Nevada Expands Flagship Program to
Dean Petersen Elementary Thanks to NV Energy Grant

May 7, 2009 - Spread the Word Nevada has been chosen to receive a $25,000 grant from the NV Energy Foundation which will allow the children's literacy organization to expand its flagship program, Kids to Kids, to Dean Petersen Elementary School.

This is the 18th school to be adopted by Spread the Word Nevada.

See the full list of schools in the Kids to Kids program.

A school adoption ceremony will be held at Dean Petersen Elementary School on May 21. Guests, community partners and members of the media are invited to join in the celebration at 9:15 a.m.

Dean Petersen Elementary School is located at 3650 Cambridge St., Las Vegas. View a map.

Lisa Habighorst, Executive Director of Spread the Word Nevada, stated, "This generous grant donated by the NV Energy Foundation is especially appreciated during these challenging economic times.

"Our heartfelt thanks goes out to NV Energy because this grant means we'll be able to give more children in our community a chance at a brighter future through the power of books and reading. Our monthly book distributions mean the world to our kids, and generous partners like NV Energy make it all possible."

The adoption of Dean Petersen Elementary School will result in an additional 762 at-risk children being served by Spread the Word Nevada. More than 139,000 kids have been served since Spread the Word Nevada got its start in 2001.

Dr. Susan V. Steaffens, Principal of Dean Petersen PDS (Professional Development School), added, "The Dean Petersen PDS community is excited to have a partnership with the Kids to Kids program whereby our students will be receiving books throughout the year. Many of our students do not have access to books in their homes. This program will allow them to increase their exposure to the world of books and therefore, increase their reading skills. We look forward to this wonderful partnership."

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