Members of the John Everett Chapter of the Daughters of the Ameri - can Revolution (DAR) in Columbus recently donat - ed Texas Before the Lone Star to elementary schools across Austin and Colorado counties.
The book was created at the direction of Texas State Regent Susan John- ston as part of DAR's cele - bration of America's 250th anniversary, with the goal of placing a copy in every Texas public elementary school. Because many stu - dents first encounter Texas history only in the years leading up to the Battle of the Alamo, this book intro duces young readers to the diverse people who lived in Texas during the Span- ish colonial era-Native Americans, European set- tlers, African Americans, and individuals of mixed ancestry. An important component of the project is the accompanying cur- riculum, which aligns with the Texas Essential Knowl - edge and Skills (TEKS) to
support classroom instruction.
Literacy Chairperson
Donna Pustejovsky, eager ly accepted the challenge of distributing the books throughout Austin and Colorado counties.
On April 23 and 24, Columbus Elementary School Librarian Lisa Janak received her copy from Chapter Regent Marti Herring and mem- bers Pustejovsky and Judy Zachmeyer.
Additional books were delivered to Stephanie Reed at Sealy Elementa- ry, Elizabeth Demaree at Selman Elementary, Kristi Robbins at Sheridan Ele - mentary, and Laura Kach - mar at Garwood Elemen tary.
On May 7, Chapter Historian Connie Dittrich and Pustejovsky presented books to Amy Koehn at Weimar Elementary, Nan- cy Koehl at St. Michael's Catholic School, and Do - ris Bujnoch at St. Rose of Lima Catholic School.
The final deliveries were made on May 11, when Sharon Geigley of Eagle Lake Intermediate, Amanda McAuley of Bra - zos Elementary, and Bren - da Blezinger of West End Elementary received their copies.
Through this project, the John Everett Chapter continues its commitment to promoting literacy, pre- serving history, and sup porting educators across the region.
