Aiken Elementary School Celebrates Reading with Free Books for Third Graders
In the heart of Aiken, there’s a buzz of excitement as third graders at Aiken Elementary School recently received a lovely surprise – free books! The special event took place on December 9 during the school’s book fair, and it was all made possible thanks to the incredible efforts of the Public Education Partners (PEP) and their generous supporters.
A Whirlwind of Words
As the students entered the media center, a sense of wonder filled the air. Each child was given a $12 voucher to choose any book from the shelves. With books ranging from whimsical tales to action-packed adventures, the kids lit up with joy as they began to explore their options. Some knew exactly what they wanted, while others carefully considered their choices, soaking in the rich stories that awaited them.
This special initiative was launched in honor of the late Diana Floyd, former president of PEP, who passed away on November 2. Titled the Diana Floyd Literacy Initiative “My Own Book” program, the goal is simple yet profound: to ensure that every third grader has the chance to own at least one book during their elementary years. With this program, they got not just a book, but a piece of ownership and pride.
The Importance of Ownership
As Nancy Marks, chair of PEP’s board, explained, “We go to every elementary school.” At the Aiken Elementary book fair, her presence along with other board members was felt as they encouraged the kids to claim their new treasures. Why is this so crucial? Marks emphasized, “We’re making sure each child knows that this is their book.” For many students, it was indeed the first book they could call their own, a realization that brought tears to the eyes of many who witnessed the event.
Christa Avret, a business consultant for Breezeline, also shared her experiences. “What really impacted me was the first time I did this earlier in the year. I had third graders tell me this was the first book they’ve ever gotten at a book fair,” she recalled, clearly moved by the significance of the moment. With the generous contribution of $5,000 from Breezeline, this program will continue to thrive, putting more books into the hands of eager young readers.
Support and Joy from the Community
The principal of Aiken Elementary, Kristie Brooks, expressed her gratitude, stating, “It’s a blessing to our kids. We would love for every student to experience picking out a book of their own.” The thrill of selecting a personal book helps cultivate a sense of responsibility and joy in reading, especially as these third graders stand on the brink of discovering a delightful world through literature.
Excited Young Readers
The excitement was palpable as students made their selections. Adonis Bey and Asher Anderson were thrilled with their choice of “Unplugged” by Gordon Korman. “It’s a chapter book, and I like the dialogue and stuff,” Bey shared enthusiastically, while Anderson remarked, “I read a little bit and I thought it was a cool book.”
Another student, Ezekial Lewis, couldn’t contain his happiness about picking “Wings of Fire” by Tui T. Sutherland, telling everyone, “I like chapter books, and I like series.” It’s heartwarming to see how these kids gravitated towards different stories, each one finding a connection to their new literary treasures.
Hoping for Expansion
The enthusiasm around this initiative is evident, and PEP doesn’t want to stop here. Marks indicated that they have already participated in eight book fairs this semester and are eyeing at least thirteen more in the spring. “If we have the funding, in the future we’d like to expand it to include fifth grade,” she expressed optimistically.
The smiles and thank-you notes pouring in from students illustrate just how much this program has resonated within the community. Linda Strojan, a vice chair of PEP’s board, shared a poignant moment from last year when a third grader told her that he had never owned a book before. “That is why we started this program, hoping to get some books into homes,” Strojan explained.
Get Involved!
For those inspired by this initiative and wishing to contribute to the cause, more information about Public Education Partners and the Diana Floyd Literacy Initiative can be found at pepaiken.org. Join them in making a difference in the lives of young readers today!
