Ellenboro Elementary Hosts 3 rd Annual Bingo For Books

The idea originated at Ellenboro from the Assistant Principal, Tammie Ash. According to Principal Bill Bass, it was Tammie who came up with the idea and created the very first “Bingo For Books”. She said the event was two fold, first, to encourage reading for each student and second, to have parent involvement. The program has proved very popular for both.
    The games began at 6 p.m. at the school auditorium and concluded at 8 p.m. Well over 300 parents and students attended this year. As the “Bingo Queen” Jennifer Brunson called out each number, everybody watched their scorecards hoping to be able to proclaim aloud,”bingo” and win a book to take home. Both parents and teachers loved seeing the excitement of the students as they won a book. To own a new book and take it home and share it with parents as well as brothers, sisters, cousins and friends is really something special. Even grandma and grandpa seems to like the stories which the books relate and often take the time to read them to their grandchildren.
    Since the big game night, many students have shared the information they learned from reading their new books. At school, both in the classroom and even at lunch, the primary topic of discussion among the students is what their “bingo” books taught them and the good stories and information they contained.
    The students always want to share their newfound knowledge. Even parents are heard to say that they too learned something new from their children’s “bingo” books.
    The program has proved so popular that it is spreading to other Rutherford County Elementary Schools. It is a wonderful opportunity for students to be recognized and be encouraged, not only to win, but to read and satisfy their never-ending curiosity of everything and anything the world holds in store for them.
    It is now a new and rewarding tradition for Ellenboro Elementary School. Aren’t you glad your sons and daughters have schools in Rutherford County that are so dedicated to their students and challenges them to achieve. “Once upon a time, we all got a little smarter, thanks for a new book I won and read.”