When opening a new campus, it can be challenging to gather hundreds of books for the library. The library at Ridgewood Elementary has been the recipient of several generous donations from our eight other Frenship elementary schools.  

Bennett Elementary is one of the schools who gave back. As a part of their yearly service project, they selected to serve Ridgewood. 

“Every year Bennett decides on a service project.  A teacher at Ridgewood mentioned to one of our teachers that their library was in need of books,” said Kelly Eleuterius, Bennett Principal. “Our staff and librarian began collecting gently used books.  It was very special for us to be able to donate books that would directly impact Bennett students who have moved to Ridgewood.” 

Ridgewood Media Specialist, Callie Flusche, was happily surprised by the large donation of books from Bennett.  

"We are thrilled to have the support of our fellow elementaries. Sharing books between schools is one of the kindest gestures other libraries can make,” said Flusche.  

At Bennett the staff searched their classroom libraries for gently used books to share with Ridgewood. When it was time to make the special delivery, the staff members helped load the books and even created a banner signed by staff. They wanted Ridgewood to know that they are supported by Bennett.  

“I believe it is important for us as teachers and staff of Frenship to model being servants for our students,” said Eleuterius. “I was able to mention on the Bennett announcements the story of how our school donated books to help Ridgewood's library which, in turn, is making a direct impact on some of their former classmates.” 

Flusche is thrilled to have more books on the shelves. She believes that this will help students have a variety of books to choose from.  

"We have some beautiful brand-new books that we were able to buy with school money, but the donated books allow us to expand our readers' opportunities as we work to purchase more new books,” said Flusche. “Having the donated books allows for students to have more to choose from when they come back week to week and see a more diverse collection." 

Bennett was very excited to partner with Ridgewood and is looking forward to the impact these books will have on students.  

“We want Ridgewood's students to have books in their hands, and it was important for us to share that love of reading!  We also want the Ridgewood community to know that we support them as they embark on this new adventure and that we are rooting for them every step of the way,” said Eleuterius.  

The book donations have not only been exciting for Flusche, but also for the students. She shares that the students get very excited to see the book donation boxes.  

"Each time we have a new box show up of new or donated books, you can see the excitement in the kids' faces as they walk by the library,” said Flusche. “I love seeing their faces light up as they see our shelves with books on them. Students cannot wait for us to be able to officially open the library to check them out." 

The charitable gift of books directly reflects the Frenship Way Serve Model. The SERVE Model stands for: Smile, Engage, Respect, Volunteer, and Encourage.   

“We love what the serve model at Frenship stands for. It is a part of Bennett's culture,” said Eleuterius. “We try to help and be proactive with our families and community! Ridgewood is a part of our community! They had a need that we could help fill. It always feels good to be kind."  

Overall, Ridgewood feels grateful for the continuous support from all Frenship elementary schools.  

"I believe we have to take care of each other. We each are unique in the likes and wants of our readers,” said Flusche. “Being able to donate and share allows all readers across the district opportunities to have a book available they want to read. We have had many schools donate books, extra supplies that are not needed, advice and support to us throughout the start of the year. We are deeply grateful to each of them for their help!"