Members of the Newtown Rotary Club recently completed the group’s annual Dictionary Project by delivering books to all third grade students at the Hawley Elementary School, Head O’ Meadow Elementary School, Fraser Woods Montessori School, Middlegate Elementary School, Housatonic Valley Waldorf School, and Sandy Hook Elementary School, and fourth grade students at St Rose of Lima School.

The deliveries were staggered over three weeks. The last books were distributed on February 5. Each student received a copy of A Student’s Dictionary, described as a gazetteer that also contains information about US presidents, maps, and more.

Two to three Rotarians participated in each delivery, which consisted of some animated conversation and interaction with each of the groups. In most instances, the books were presented to each child individually, and then a group photo was taken at the end. Assemblies were held at the schools for the deliveries.

Newer club members Alex Villamil, Noor Deeb, Fred Ventresca, and David Freedman jumped in to participate this year. According to Alex Villamil, “This project is a lot of fun. I really enjoyed being involved, and I am in for next year!” English for both Ms Deeb and Mr Villamil was not their first language, and they each stressed to the students the importance of the dictionary in their quests to master English, according to a release from Newtown Rotary Club.

For more information about the Newtown Rotary Club, visit its website newtownctrotary.org, Facebook page facebook.com/newtownctrotaryclub, or call Newtown Rotary Club President Julie Friend at 203-684-5020.