Additional dates:
Session 1: Filled
Session 2: October 22, 29, November 5, 12
Session 3: November 19, 26, December 3, 10
For more information, contact SPCA Humane Educator Katherine Gillette-Cockerill at (716) 875-7360, ext. 234 or KatherineG@yourspca.org.
(6/10/19: Tale for Two summer orientation dates have passed, but you can register children any time for the challenge! Just contact Humane Education Director Christine Davis: HumaneEducation@yourspca.org.)
The SPCA Serving Erie County will present its first annual Tale for Two Summer Reading Challenge this year, with prizes for children who read multiple books!
Tale For Two encourages children ages 6 – 15 to read aloud to adoptable animals at the SPCA. Animals benefit from the increased socialization and reduced stress levels, while children work on their literacy and reading skills, building their self-esteem and confidence.
This summer’s reading challenge sessions, available in groups of 6 (program cost $40) or 12 (program cost $70), are available on Tuesdays, June 18 – September 3, 5 p.m. – 8 p.m. at the SPCA’s 300 Harlem Rd., West Seneca shelter. Reading sessions are 30 minutes in length.
Children in kindergarten through fifth grade who read three books will receive a certificate of achievement, an SPCA pencil, and a wristband; five books earn the certificate, pencil, and humane-themed book; seven books earn the certificate, book, and an SPCA
T-shirt.
Children in grades six through 11 who read two books receive the certificate, pencil, and wristband; three books earn the certificate, book, and T-shirt; and five books earn the certificate, book, and an SPCA sweatshirt.
Children can bring their own reading materials, or make a selection from the SPCA’s library.
Readers and parents/guardians are required to attend one hour-long orientation session at the SPCA either Thursday, May 30,
5 p.m. or Saturday,
June 8, 3 p.m. (Please see below for information on how to register children for the challenge after June 8.)
Register for the Tale for Two Summer Reading Challenge and one orientation session right here >> (orientation dates have passed, but you can still register children for the challenge! Just contact Humane Education Director Christine Davis: HumaneEducation@yourspca.org.)
Please contact SPCA Humane Education Director 
Christine Davis with questions: HumaneEducation@yourspca.org.
See additional Tale for Two photos here >>
See the story on WKBW-TV’s website >>
Last night, area children were honored at a special ceremony at the SPCA’s 300 Harlem Rd., West Seneca shelter. The students won prizes in the SPCA’s 2019 Humane Poster & Creative Writing Contest.
This year’s student winners are:
The Anderson/Lowe Award for Artistic Ability:
Joseph Jordan – Buffalo, NY
The Stevens/Barrett Award for Creative Writing:
Louisa Gascoyne – East Aurora, NY
Most Creative Entry:
Ivyana Dragoo Depew, NY
Division 1 (I)
1st Owen Braley – Tapestry Charter School
2nd Christian Eckrote – Valley Community Center
3rd Isabella Dustin – Valley Community Center
Honorable Mention: Natalie Sprandel – Tonawanda, NY
Division 2 (II)
1st Oliver Bennett – Immaculate Conception School
2nd Mathew Mysiak – Holland, NY
3rd Pender Maya –Tapestry Charter School
Honorable Mention: Elise Murphy – Buffalo, NY
Division 3 (III)
1st Ceciella Giallella – Immaculate Conception School
2nd Sophia Costanzo – Orchard Park, NY
3rd Kaylie Kratz – St. Josephs School
Honorable Mention: Abbey Root – St. Joseph’s School
Division 4 (IV)
1st Sipharah Mast – Buffalo NY
2nd Kayla Dorman –Pathways Academy
3rd Amaya Fenandez – Buffalo, NY
Division 5 (V)
1st Shane Connolly – Stanley G. Falk School
2nd Haley Goodrich – Stanley G. Falk School
3rd Shadow Young – Stanley G. Falk School
Honorable Mentions:
Joseph Maracle – Stanley Makowski School
Jeremiah Garner – Stanley G. Falk School
Other winners include the Judy Silver Educator of the Year, Diane Evans, and this year’s Ambassador of Kindness, Vivian Guard.
For information on how you, your child/children, your class, or your school can become involved in the 2020 student competition, please contact SPCA Humane Educator Danielle Talbot at 716-875-7360, ext. 245 or daniellet@yourspca.org.