Orangeburg County School District (OCSD), in partnership with Save the Children, is strengthening literacy and learning beyond the classroom by distributing 3,600 books to students across the district during the winter break. The initiative ensures students have continued access to reading materials while school is not in session and reflects OCSD’s commitment to equity, literacy, and whole-child development.

As part of the Winter Holiday Book Distribution, every student enrolled in Save the Children sites received at least one book. Students in Save the Children PreK–5 classrooms received a book, and PreK students received a second book at the following schools:

Brookdale Elementary School (BBES)
Elloree Elementary School
East Lake Elementary School
Hunter-Kinard-Tyler (HKT) Elementary School

At all other OCSD elementary schools, students in PreK through 3rd grade received a holiday book to take home.

In addition to the winter distribution, all Save the Children PreK–5 students also received fall books prior to the Thanksgiving break, further reinforcing consistent access to high-quality reading materials throughout the school year. The initiative is led locally by Dr. Quencenia Dantzler, Director of the OCSD Save the Children program, who emphasized the importance of putting books directly into students’ homes.

“Access to books is one of the most effective ways to support literacy and inspire a love of reading,” said Dr. Dantzler. “By ensuring our students receive books they can keep, we are supporting learning beyond the school day and partnering with families to make reading a regular part of home life,” she said.

Dr. Bernard E. Frost, Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction, highlighted the academic significance of continued reading opportunities during school breaks. “When students read consistently outside of school, it reinforces the literacy skills taught in the classroom and helps prevent learning loss during extended breaks,” said Dr. Frost. “This partnership with Save the Children aligns directly with our instructional goals and our commitment to student success,” he said.

Through its partnership with Save the Children, OCSD continues to advance its mission of identifying each student’s person, purpose, and platform, while promoting excellence across academics, arts, athletics, and activities. By investing in literacy year-round, OCSD is helping students build strong reading foundations and lifelong learning habits.

MEDIA OPPORTUNITIES

Media are welcome to attend any remaining service date. Interviews with district leadership and participating students may be coordinated on-site.

CONTACT

Erica S. Taylor, Ed.D.
Assistant Superintendent for Communications, Business & Community Partnerships
Orangeburg County School District
Email: erica.taylor@ocsdsc.org
Phone: 803-534-5454 x 80213