This summer, Barnardsville Elementary School (BES) launched a new innovative activity to bring the community together.
Every Monday and Thursday morning, Principal Holly Houchard welcomes students and their families with a warm smile and an exciting story. The front steps of the school are transformed into a cozy reading nook with a rolling cart full of books to delight any young reader. Ms. Houchard said this has been a dream she has had for a while .
“Each day when I enter the doors at Barnardsville, it’s my desire to do what’s best for the kids, and that doesn’t change in the summer,” she explained. “For a couple of summers, I’ve had the idea to do something for kids. With the summer meals coming to the school , it was just what I needed to complete a solid program where kids can come pick up food and do some reading activities.”
After reading a story, students are able to check out a book to take home. Sometimes following the morning reading there is a craft or other educational activity. Families have an opportunity to get to know each other and the chance to bring their four legged friends to hear of new adventures.
“Each meeting I ask the students for ideas of reading activities, and that’s when we decided to invite a special guest, Bee the rabbit,” Ms. Houchard said. “Bee is the pet rabbit of two of my students, and their mom was more than happy to bring their rabbit to school for us to read to.”
This wonderful program isn’t just about books. It’s a chance to feed bellies as well as feeding minds. Buncombe County Schools Child Nutrition Department delivers meals every Monday and Thursday during the summer break.
“We’ve been calling this our Summer Feeding program where you can feed your body, feed your mind, and feed your heart,” Ms. Houchard said. “Kids need all of these things during the summer, and I’m happy that we’re able to provide activities that will do just that. Plus, we miss our students over the summer so we are very excited to see them!”
Ms. Houchard hopes that this becomes a summer tradition and continues to grow as more families discover all the fun to be had in the outdoor library.