Free books given to students by retired educators

By JULY KELLEY

Special to Leader-Press
 

There was a happy buzz in the gymnasium as students looked at their brand new picture books. Kindergarteners at Fairview/Miss Jewell Elementary School waited patiently for their names to be written in the brand new books they just received from the Copperas Cove Retired Teachers Association. The CCRTA donates books to every kindergartener in Copperas Cove ISD. This is the 5th year the organization has donated books to the students. Last year, they donated 609 books to kindergarteners across the district.

A 20-year study by University of Nevada professor Mariah Evans found that children growing up in homes with many books on average attain more than three years of schooling than children from bookless homes according to an article in ScienceDirect.

Marianna McDonnell, chairman of the CCRTA Book Giveaway Committee, understands what books can do for a child. She was a librarian for CCISD and the joy in her eyes is obvious as she talks about her program.

“The lasting value of the book giveaway is to encourage them to read. That is why it is important for them to select their own books. It makes the book special,” she said as she walked among the students reading their books. ”We makes sure to have extra books so the last student to choose has as many choices as the first student.”

Jerome Bollum, another CCRTA member, helped some students select their books.

“The goal is to put a book in the hands of every kindergartener in Copperas Cove ISD,” he said. “I love watching their faces when they get the book.”

After picking the books, the kindergarteners were all sitting in the gym reading their books. They were helping each other with unfamiliar words and showing each other pictures in their books.

Student Kayla Dzierzanowski was excited it was to get her book because she remembered her sister bringing her book home last year. Fellow Kindergartener Jaycob Curbey showed off his book, Give and Take.

“There were so many books,” he said. “It was hard to choose one, but I picked this one. I love it.”

The Copperas Cove Retired Teachers Association raised the money for the book distribution by holding a silent auction in December. They raised over a $1000 to purchase the books. CCRTA members also may donate new books for the program. Members of the public can also donate books as memorials for teachers and designate specific libraries in CCISD.