The fifth grade class at MCES showing dictionaries The Miller County Collaborative and the Retired Teachers recently took part in a literacy project at the Miller County Elementary School. With the help of the organization called, The Dictionary Project, Miller County Collaborative and the Retired Teachers were able to provide around 92 dictionaries to all students in the fifth grade. Each was given a student dictionary for use at school and at home, compliments of Miller County Collaborative (Family Connection and Communities In School) and the Miller Co. Retired Teachers.

The Miller County Collaborative Board members in attendance were Monica Posey, Shea Dancer, Tina Brooks, and Mandy Long as well as the executive director, Leigh J. Thompson. The Retired Teachers in attendance were Suzette Little and Jo Mock.

The Dictionary Project and the Miller County Collaborative Committee are both a 501(c) (3) nonprofit organization. The goal of this program is to assist all students in completing the school year as good writers, active readers and creative thinkers by providing students with their own personal dictionary. The dictionaries are a gift to each student to use at school and at home for years to come. The Dictionary Project gives 95 cents of every dollar donated toward the purchase of dictionaries.

Reading is the most important skill of all. It is the starting point for all the economic and social opportunities this world has to offer. Every year we watch The Dictionary Project grow by expanding our pool of sponsors, so more children can enjoy the benefits of owning their own personal dictionary.

Our sponsors have made tireless efforts to improve literacy and the quality of life in their communities. These volunteers are the breath of life of The Dictionary Project. Through The Dictionary Project, people feel empowered to effect change and improve education so that the children will grow up better prepared to compete in the global economy.

Over 11,857,496 children have received a dictionary thanks to the generosity of sponsors who have participated in the Dictionary Project. Sponsors provide a dictionary for the children in their community each year, so they can enjoy the benefits of a large vocabulary.2,417,994 dictionaries were given to students in 2008 as a gift from people who live in their town.

If you would like to help sponsor, please contact Leigh J. Thompson at Miller County Collaborative 229-758-3059.