Avery Artis, principal of North Elementary in Caswell County, was awarded a 2025 Bright Ideas Grant from Piedmont Electric Cooperative to support a literacy initiative designed to expand access to Spanish-language and bilingual books for students and families.
The grant will fund the”Literacy for All” project, which aims to strengthen literacy development for the school’s growing population of Spanish-speaking students. Through the initiative, North Elementary will add Spanish and bilingual books to its library collection, organize materials in student-friendly categories and create opportunities for families through literacy events.
North Elementary serves approximately 330 students in pre-K through fifth grade and has experienced steady growth in its Hispanic student population. The project was developed to address the need for culturally relevant resources that support both native-language literacy and English language development.
“Receiving the Bright Ideas grant has made a meaningful and measurable impact by directly addressing barriers to literacy and access for a growing population of Spanish-speaking students,” Artis said. “The funding enabled the expansion of culturally relevant and bilingual resources, creating a more inclusive and equitable learning environment. As a result, students are better equipped to develop foundational reading skills in both their native language and English, while also feeling seen and represented within their school community.”
The grant will support the purchase of Spanish and bilingual books across grade levels, as well as organizational materials and family literacy resources. School leaders hope the expanded collection will encourage independent reading, strengthen family involvement and help students see their language and culture reflected in the school environment.
By investing in bilingual literacy resources, the Bright Ideas grant will help North Elementary create a more inclusive library experience while supporting student success for years to come.