Big Bend promotes reading with book donation

MOSES LAKE — Students at Larson Heights and North Elementary Schools have plenty of new reading material while quarantined after Big Bend Community College staff recently helped deliver more than 1,200 books to the two neighboring elementary schools.

Through a partnership with First Book, students took home handfuls of books to help them pass the time while the community helps try and flatten the curve during the COVID-19 situation our schools are faced with.

This is the fourth year that Big Bend has sponsored Larson Heights and North Elementary Schools.

Larson Heights principal Karen Schotzko said this will encourage students to read more while at home.

“This is a game changer for our students because they have no access to school or community libraries right now,” said Schotzko. “This puts books in their hands, and in their homes.”

Typically, new books are delivered to the schools right before students leave for summer break. But with K-12 students distance learning through the end of the school year, the deliveries were moved up in order to provide students with another activity to help pass the time at home.

Students were able to pick up their new books during their school’s free meal pickup hour.

“Our book deliveries looked a little different this year, and we definitely missed getting to interact with the kids while they picked out their books,” said BBCC Communications Coordinator Tiffany Fondren. “We are still really thankful to be able to provide them with books of their own to read while they’re at home for the remainder of the school year.”

North Elementary principal Kelly Frederick said her students are always appreciative of the new books, and this year was no different.

“Several families were more interested in the books than what was for lunch,” said Frederick.

Frederick said she saw several instances of kids gushing over their books, including one first grade student who couldn’t stop smiling and hugging his new Star Wars title.

“Once again Vikings support the work of MLSD schools and keeping North Stars reading while experiencing continuous learning,” said Frederick. “What a great educational relationship.”