It wasn’t just another “Spirit Day” at James J Ryder Elementary School, so it was hard not to find anyone NOT wearing the traditional blue, along with the spirit color of red somewhere in their outfit!  Many had on their vibrant red Mustang shirts.  And the air was charged with enthusiasm even as the children entered the building!  This was the long-awaited day where they would be opening their new Ben Carson THINK BIG reading room!  The 315th one in the country!

The Program

First off, the stage in the gymnatorium was populated with larger-than-life books…around 2-3 feet tall! Making the importance of literacy a big deal…visually!   And it was a unique twist having a team of four 5^th grade girls emceeing the program!  Dressed in royal blue Ben Carson THINK BIG reading room tee-shirts and black slacks, they began with the Pledge of Allegiance, with hands over hearts. The national anthem’s stirring words were then displayed on a mobile video screen with a waving flag in the background as the entire assembly sang the unifying message!  

It’s not unusual for students to be called by their principal, but when the shoe is on the other foot….

So, in response to the “emcee squad’s” invitation to come forward, Principal Dr. Jessica Grant strode to the podium and spoke of celebrating literacy and the opportunity for expanding horizons. After thanking all involved, she returned to her seat.

Two student readers from the 5^th grade were called next to present the poem “When I Open a Book.” One read in English and the other in Spanish!

Usually, parents are not involved in the school’s assemblies.  But the emcee squad then called up a couple of parent readers that were from the pool of PTA volunteers. Ms. Gonzalez and Ms. Chamberlain read with enthusiasm and made the adventure book come alive, as, like the students before them, one read in English and the other in Spanish.

“The Magical Key to Adventure” was presented by 24 students from Reader’s Theater, who chanted the poem, partly in unison and partly antiphonally.  And it was exciting to witness all the students reciting the Reading Room Pledge, making promises that they would keep by utilizing the new adventure haven!

After Candy & Dr. Ben Carson’s contributions on brain power, and how by programming it properly through reading, your brain will enable you to reach heights you’ve never even dreamed of, the Cheer Team of 16 students led everyone in rhythm:

“JRR…can-not be stopped! Clap, clap!   JRR…can-not be stopped! Clap, clap!” 

 “We don’t mess around, clap, clap; We just get down! Clap, clap!!     

During the Donor Gift presentation, more gratitude was shown by Dr. Jessica Grant, with thoughtful commentary as well as gifts of student artwork and plaques.

The Room

Along the top of the curtains, the theme of the room goes across one entire wall: “Think Big: Mustang Power Readers” in huge red letters edged in navy… school colors!  All around the room, the 7-foot-tall curtains give wide swaths of bright color in alternating yellow, red, & blue, and serve a dual purpose: fostering bright ideas in the readers and sheltering the adventurers from being overwhelmed!  Behind those curtains are hundreds more books!!!  This provides the option of displaying more age-appropriate literature related to the students’ schedules.  Above the bright curtains on the other walls, in contrast, are murals in black and white!  Favorite storybook characters peek down from above to see if they can join in the fun!!

There are tiered book displays on wheels, and a kid-sized bentwood rocker with red cushions!  There are upholstered kid-sized benches with book storage under the seats, and a bean-shaped, upholstered blue sofa, as well as royal blue bean bag seating!  Brightly upholstered geometric stools are sitting on coordinating geometric carpets, with a unity rug of reaching hands near the door! 

The welcoming room even has a special message on the inside of the double doors, so that before anyone leaves, they are encouraged to return by the words, “Until next time!” In sparkling red letters on a royal blue background!

The muralist, Ira Bell, works for the school system and used to be a crossing guard!  But then his artistic talent was discovered, and now he paints murals in schools all over the district!

Special Thanks to: 

• Sponsor: The Eleni and Wolfgang Gagon Trust
• Janet Clark-Green
• Ben Carson Reading Room Committee members

View photo here