Book Sunday is June 12, 2022!
The schedule:
- Introduction by Cameron and Meghan
- Presentation by Tim Brown who will share some of the books he received when in First Day School
- Recognition of our awesome First Day School teachers, Religious Education committee members, and Friendly Adult Presences
- The presentation of the books to the students
- A poetry reading and remembering Ed Leggett
- Group photo on the Meeting House Porch
- The Ice Cream Social!
Book Sunday is a celebration that takes place in late May or early June. It marks the end of the formal school year and the beginning of the more relaxed summer sessions.
It is a long-standing tradition to honor the children who have participated in First Day School, as well as thank the many adults who make it possible. It is believed that this event was established over forty years ago!
In pre (and soon, post-) pandemic times, each child is presented with a book, appropriate to their age; from board books for the infants, through picture books, chapter books and young adult fare for the oldest students. The books are chosen with the themes of our SPICES in mind – Simplicity, Peace, Integrity, Community, Equality, and Stewardship.
Graduating seniors are given three books – a Bible, a copy of the Quaker Faith and Practice, and a copy of Strunk and White’s Elements of Style – as they head out into the world.
Ed Leggett, a beloved Friend who passed away a few years ago, was a staunch supporter and benefactor of Book Sunday. It was very important to him that the graduating students receive special books of their choice – and – a copy of Strunk and White’s Elements of Style. The Meeting planted a persimmon tree in his honor out by Oakdale School. Chrissie and Ed Devinney continue Ed Leggett’s legacy by underwriting the books for the graduating seniors.
The adults are thanked for their involvement and given flowers or a small plant in appreciation. The culmination of Book Sunday is a group photograph on the Meeting steps and an ice cream party on the lawn.
In 2020, members of the Religious Education Committee selected books, wrapped them in Fundana Bandana (large bandanas printed with an educational nature game) and delivered Book Sunday packages along with a gift certificate for ice cream to all the children of Goose Creek Friends Meeting.
