FCAE Donates Books to Elementary Schools

The Forsyth County Association of Educators (FCAE) was able to donate a set of eight books to the media center at every elementary school. Sets were also donated to The Special Children's School, the school system’s Instructional Resource Center (IRC) and Superintendent Beverly Emory. 

The books are culturally diverse in the stories and characters they present, said Ronda Mays, the president of the FCAE.

"It is important that children are able to see themselves in the books that they read,” May said. “If they see the character in the book overcoming a situation or engaging in an activity this could help the student reading the book to grow personally. The students will be encouraged to read if they can see themselves."

The National Education Association (NEA) provided the books.  

“I found out about the opportunity to obtain the books and I put in a request for them,” Mays said.

Mays presented the sets to media coordinators at a meeting at Petree Elementary School. 

Crystal Joyce, the Digital Teaching & Learning Library Media Coordinator at Old Richmond Elementary, said that she thinks the books will serve Old Richmond students for years to come.

“These culturally diverse books have been a wonderful addition to our media center,” Joyce said. “They have allowed our students to have a glimpse into the culture of others that are different from us, thereby instilling a greater level of understanding, respect, and empathy.”

“Our students love them! I appreciate Ronda Mays, FCAE, and NEA for providing these beautiful multicultural books.” 

Anna Chamis Sabio, the Media Coordinator at Jefferson Elementary School, said, “What a wonderful addition to our school's collection! Thank you so much Ronda Mays and FCAE for donating these culturally diverse books to us!”

“The kids absolutely love when they can relate to book characters!”

The books, which come from First Book, are:

1) "Bird" by Zetta Elliott

2) "Seaside Dream" by Janet Costa Bates

3) "Juna's Jar" by Jane Bahk

4) "Finding the Music En pos de la musica" by Jennifer Torres

5) "Sunday Shopping" by Sally Derby

6) "Ghosts for Breakfast" by Stanley Todd Terasaki

7) "Hot, Hot, Roti for Dada-ji" By F.Zia

8) "Lend a Hand" by John Frank