“I Never Owned a Book Before”

These words were uttered by a young boy at Cooleemee Elementary School.  They are now the theme for a book campaign at the school, sponsored by the School Projects Committee at Bermuda Village Retirement Community (BVRC).  

 

The committee seeks to raise funds from BVRC residents to help provide five books for each of the 450 students to read at home during summer break.  The book drive will run between March 25 and April 28, with the goal of exceeding the 2025 book campaign of $5805 and ensuring that a Cooleemee student would not say ever again, “I never owned a book before.”

 

It is generally recognized that students lose some skills during summer recess.  This project encourages students to maintain and increase their reading skills over the summer by having books to read.  And it’s working!  Two years ago the Cooleemee Elementary student body averaged 36% reading skills at or above grade level.  A year later, and with the help of this program, that score is at 40%. 

 

And there’s more. Excess funds from the School Projects Committee book campaigns helped the school to purchase books for their Book Vending Machine.  Happy is the student who has excelled  and thus gets to choose a book from the Book Vending Machine.  There are smiles all around!

 

But it doesn’t end there.  A mother shared that her son taught her to read, using books from the books campaign project.  

 

Principal Angela Burgess praised the BVRC residents, “This kindness of Bermuda Village reminds us that we are not alone in this journey of educating our children, but surrounded by a community that shares our mission:  Learn.  Lead.  Serve.  Shine.  Thank you so much!”

 

For those of you who would like to share in this meaningful campaign, we invite you to write a tax-deductible check payable to Bermuda Village, noting “School Projects” on the memo line.  100% goes to the school.  The check may be dropped off at the Front Desk of Bermuda Village or mailed to Bermuda Village Retirement Village, Attention Dr. Joyce Jones, 142 Bermuda Village Drive, Bermuda Run, NC 27006. The check will be presented to the school on May 7.

 

School Projects Committee members include Ginny Davies, Pat Ely, Elaine Graybeal, Beth Huggins, Kim Kendrick, Marlene Schang and Joyce Jones, chair. The committee is most grateful to all who participate in making a difference at Cooleemee Elementary School where 80% of the students are economically disadvantaged.  The committee sincerely thanks you!