Parkdale School in Wetaskiwin will be holding a Student Leadership book drive in the month of February.
The Student Leadership group, supervised by Parkdales’ Principal Sandra Wilson, had the idea for the book drive, as a way to promote literacy in their school.
When they asked if they could hold the drive, Wilson said, “Why not?”
The idea aligned well with the school’s literacy goals, says Wilson.
“We are really trying to promote literacy, so the goal is to have more books in our school, to encourage students to read.”
The Student Leadership club is responsible for planning and carrying out most of the school’s various activities.
Some events the club has put on this year include the Halloween carnival and crazy hat day. A celebration for the 100th day of school is planned for Feb. 16.
Any student in the school can join the club, from kindergarten to Grade 8.
According to Wilson, the school is currently working with a literacy specialist, who estimates the school is in need of 1,500 more books.
“We didn’t set a goal [for the drive], we just thought if people could donate books, that would be great,” she said.
The school’s library has a good number of books, but they are dated, and with Grade 7 added to the school last year, and Grade 8 this year, there is a need for some fresh reading material, says Wilson.
“Kids won’t pick up an old book to read,” she said, adding that newer books would go a long ways to encourage students to pick one up.
“Keeping current with what is a hot read is what we want to do.”
The school also holds book fairs to fundraise for the library, but hopes the drive will further help to update its collection, says Wilson.
Once the drive is over, the school’s librarian will get first crack and the books, and then the teachers will get their choice from the haul, says Wilson.
While the library is well-stocked, with albeit older books, the classrooms have limited budgets to fill their shelves, says Wilson.
The school would be happy with any amount book donations, says Vice Principal Brittany Oullette.
“Whatever anyone can donate, that’s all we ask for,” said Oullette.
Those wishing to donate can send gently-used elementary and junior high age-appropriate books to the school, either with students, or at the front office, starting Feb. 1, until March.
- Emily Jaycox, Pipestone Flyer Contributor