Every Long Neck Elementary student gets a book from Rotary

As part of its annual Rotary Reads program, Long Neck Sunrise Rotary Club donated copies of “Do You Remember,” by Sydney Smith for each child attending Long Neck Elementary School.

Working with Browseabout Books in Rehoboth Beach, the club purchased 680 editions at cost for a total of $6,460.

This year’s selection was chosen because of its message regarding emotional issues experienced by children that can be hidden from those around them. As part of its mission to teach leadership, the school encourages students to have empathy to take on another's perspective, and exhibit kindness to one another.

Second-grade teacher Meiasha Harris read the book to an assembly of first-, second- and third-graders. Harris told them every day they come to school, the students have no idea what others are feeling on the inside, and that is why each child should strive to be a leader and treat others with kindness. She explained that even though some of the students might be experiencing difficulties they don’t want to share, they should know school is a safe place and an amazing place to make new memories.

“We have a very diverse student population,” said Stephen Lovellette, assistant principal. “It is important to us to teach our students acceptance of each other and to treat one another with kindness. The simple messaging of this book that you can replace sad memories with happy ones, despite what happens in life, gives every child hope that things can get better.”

Long Neck Sunrise Rotary Club Rotary Reads Chair Sharon Marshall said, “We are so happy to encourage reading among the students at Long Neck Elementary with our Rotary Reads program, and to be able to partner with the school to couple this effort with life lessons is even better. This year’s selection was a bit more costly than our normal donation, but we believed that the messaging was well worth the price.”

The Long Neck Sunrise Rotary Club meets at 7:30 a.m., Tuesdays for breakfast at the Ocean Grill II on Long Neck Road, and via Zoom. Visitors and prospective members are always welcome. For more information, go to longnecksunriserotaryclub.com.