SBCSS News and Press Releases

Gird Elementary To Hold Final Closing Ceremony for Book Buddies

2009-05-28

CHINO - Richard Gird Elementary School will hold its final closing ceremony for its Book Buddies program on June 2 at 9 a.m. Gird Principal Jesus Luna, members of the Chino Valley Chamber of Commerce and other officials will lead the closing ceremonies and special acknowledgements for the volunteers' long-term efforts.

Book Buddies is a volunteer reading program designed to join forces with business, civic, community and education leaders. It promotes literacy and emphasizes the importance of reading in daily life and long-term goal achievements. Book Buddies read to a designated classroom once a month. Gird's program has been a collaborative effort among the Chino Valley Unified School District, Chino Valley Chamber of Commerce and the San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools.

"The Book Buddies Program enjoyed very successful outcomes at this site due to the tremendous leadership and volunteer support," said Linda Miranda, program manager of County Schools. "This year marked the sixth consecutive year for the program at Gird, and the elementary schools holds the distinction of being the longest running program in the county. This site would have most likely continued its record of success, but regretfully will cease to exist due to the impending school closure."

Principal Luna said every student will receive a book for free to continue reading over the summer through the school's parent group.

"The foundation of a good education is the ability to read, and it is vital we develop good reading skills in all our students so that they are able to achieve academically and become life-long learners," Luna said.

Gird Elementary is located at 4980 Riverside Drive in Chino.