MCS Launches “Windows and Mirrors” Literacy Project with Support from O’Connor Foundation Grant

MARGARETVILLE — Margaretville Central School (MCS) is proud to announce that it has received a $2,000 grant from the A. Lindsay & Olive B. O’Connor Foundation to support Windows and Mirrors: Using Diverse Literature to Reflect Students’ Backgrounds and Introduce New Perspectives. The project aims to build a diverse classroom library that broadens students’ understanding of the world while allowing them to see their own lives reflected in the stories they read.

Led by English teacher and curriculum specialist Amanda Wells, the initiative will create a “Diverse Voices” collection of contemporary fiction, nonfiction, novels-in-verse, graphic novels, and short story anthologies written by authors from underrepresented communities. The books will be used throughout the English Language Arts program in independent reading units, literature circles, and as companion texts to classic works.

Literature is one of the most powerful ways students connect with the world. By giving students access to books that reflect a wide range of experiences, they can become more engaged while also developing empathy, confidence, and critical thinking skills. Throughout the project, students will play an active role in shaping their classroom library. They will study the educational theory of “windows and mirrors,” identify missing perspectives in their current book collection, research potential new titles, and recommend selections for purchase. This collaborative approach gives students a voice in the process and fosters greater investment in their reading choices.

Superintendent Michele Osterhoudt noted, “At Margaretville Central, we’re committed to preparing our students to be thoughtful, informed, and compassionate members of the community. The Windows and Mirrors project aligns perfectly with that mission.”

The books will be purchased and introduced into classrooms during the summer and fall of 2026, with related reading projects and activities running through November. The impact will be measured through student reflections, reading assessments, and engagement surveys.