By Toni Garrard Clay/AISD Communications Coordinator
Twelve student council members, representing each fifth-grade class at South Athens Elementary, were given a pretty daunting task for most 10- and 11-year-olds: determine the best way to spend money. Come to think of it, it’s a pretty daunting task at any age.
Back in October, teachers and staff at South Athens raised $955 by working one evening at McDonald’s in Athens, with a percentage of the proceeds during that time going to the campus. Students did their part as door greeters and helped teachers pass out free smoothie samples.
“I liked when we got to do that because I like to help people a lot,” said council member Rylea Robertson.
Once the money was counted, student council sponsor Becky Rogers asked the group to think very seriously about how they wanted to use the money. “We polled the school, and some of the responses that came back were for new swings, a slide, water fountains, soccer goals, cushions,” Rogers recalled.
But eventually, it was a simpler idea with, they believed, greater impact that would do the most good: more books.
“Some students don’t like to read because there aren’t books they’re interested in,” said council member Marilyn Murillo. “But maybe if we get all different types of books, they might find something they want to read more.”
Rylea said the answer was really there all along; all they had to do was listen. “On the announcements every morning, they say ‘Read every day no matter what.’ I think that’s important. … Some people don’t have access to books at home. I enjoy reading a lot, and I want other people to enjoy it.”
“By getting books, we’re helping everyone,” said Jaxon Stiles. Why? Well, as Ivan Villa-Lopez pointed out, “books make us smarter.”
After deciding what they were purchasing, the conversation switched to what kind.
“It’s important to have a wide selection,” said Michael Van. “I used to like shorter chapter books. My parents read me the very first Harry Potter book … but after that, I did it on my own.”
Hannah Wilson remains a fan of picture books. “They’re my favorite … because the pictures tell you what’s happening.”
“Books help us build our vocabulary,” observed Kayleni Garcia. And, noted Juan Ramirez, “most kids need more practice.”
With the council’s wishes clear, campus leadership ordered a few dozen library-bound books, ranging from picture books to graphic novels to standard chapter books. The council members feel good about the decision, and so do their teachers. In the end, Kayleni sums it up perfectly. “Reading more makes you a better reader,” she said. “Reading makes you better.”