The STARS Program at Wayne Hills has been holding an ongoing book drive to increase the amount of books in their classroom library. The STARS program focuses on teaching autistic students critical skills identified by the National Research Council. With that, it is extremely important to encourage these students to read regularly. However, sometimes the school library does not hold enough lower level books for these students. Sarah Getzke- a special education teacher who is in charge of STARS- is holding this book drive. One of Getzke’s mentors, Kelly O’Brien noticed such a low number of books intended for special education students in the school and decided to put together the book drive.

“This was all started by Kelly,” Getzke says, “There was not enough book selection in the library for special education students.” The book drive is intended to increase the number and variety of books for these students.

The book drive is accepting donations of lower level adapted books as well as preschool level. The STARS program has received donations from the National Honors Society, Kohl’s, and Barnes and Noble. STARS are continuously open to more donations which can be made in room 130.