Montezuma elementary fourth graders gifted new books

​        Students in Alicia Minner’s fourth grade class at Montezuma Elementary show off their favorite books they recently purchased after Montezuma and area residents donated to a book fund. All 23 students in her class will receive at least three free books from the fundraiser.

​By J.O. Parker
 
         The holidays came earlier than expected for Montezuma fourth graders in Alicia Minner’s class.
Thanks to the generosity of many community members, the 23 students in Minner’s class are receiving three new books each.
        Minner said it all started when several people reached out and asked if there was anything she needed in her classroom.
      “I sat on that idea for a while because while I have many things I "want," I'm not sure how many of them are "needs." she said. “I never want to appear greedy, so when people offer to help, I try to be very purposeful with what I'm asking for.”
       Minner, who is an avid reader and understands the value of being a reader, decided that she wanted her students to be able to order a book for themselves from the school’s book order service.
       “Most books in our book orders are anywhere from $6 to $10 each, so I posted on my personal Facebook page that I was looking for "sponsors" for each of my students,” Minner said.
        To be a sponsor, you could send anywhere from $6 to $10 so each student could pick a book of their own.
       “I was completely overwhelmed by the response,” said Minner. “People donated anywhere from $10 to $100. In the end, each student was able to purchase $30 from the book order.”
        When Minner shared the amazing news with the kids, they were shocked and beyond ecstatic.
       “They immediately started "shopping," she said. “The only stipulation I gave them was they had to pick books they were interested in and wanted to read simply for enjoyment. We've already placed our first order of books, which should be delivered soon.” 
       “Reading is a skill that you never outgrow,” said Minner. “It can take you anywhere. My goal is for all students to truly find the joy of reading for pleasure, not just reading for an assignment.”