QULIN — It was open season on books at Qulin Elementary on Thursday afternoon as the school celebrated DEER Day. Drop Everything Everyone Read Day takes place once a year when outside volunteers come into the school and read to kindergarten through fourth grade students. “The kids enjoy the day because they can relax, enjoy reading and are not at their seats,” Title 1 teacher Denise Lewis said. Volunteer readers for the day included high school students, staff and administration, community members, retired teachers, former students, parents, and the Three Rivers College basketball teams. The TRC Lady Raiders chose books and separated as they headed to classrooms, where some of the basketball players even once sat. Lady Raider Deanay Watson said she enjoys spending time with young children and was looking forward to seeing the different reactions from students as she read. “I think it’s important for the young students to see positive role models,” Lady Raider Hannah Thurmon said.
Qulin Principal Seth McBroom said the day is an opportunity to introduce new people in the community to students while putting an emphasis on reading. “It’s a fun and enjoyable day for students and for the adults as well,” he said. In addition to bringing volunteers into the school, McBroom said DEER Day is a good introduction to different careers. “It’s a great opportunity for the kids to meet new people and share the enjoyment of reading,” he said. The students not only were able to hear stories read to them, but second grade students acted out a book to their younger classmates in kindergarten. Kathy Cunningham and Sherrie Patterson were even able to read the book they wrote together, “Little Bill’s First Hunting Trip.” To keep with the “DEER” theme and opening day of deer season on the horizon, all students and faculty dressed in camouflage for the day. This then led into conversations of hunting safety procedures and opens the avenue for questions and answers, McBroom added. “Thank you to those who came and participated,” he said.
Denise Kinder - Daily American Republic