Coopertown Elementary unveils new Ben Carson reading room

Coopertown Elementary School opened a new reading room for its students last month as part of a statewide reading initiative by the former world-renowned pediatric neurosurgeon, named in honor of Dr. Ben Carson was named.

On Monday, October 14, the Ben Carson Reading Room at Coopertown Elementary officially opened. According to a release from Robertson County Schools, the space called “The Landing” is one of only 285 statewide, 11 statewide and just two in Middle Tennessee.

“Congratulations to Coopertown Elementary on its new reading room and the opportunity to provide inspirational reading in an equally inspiring environment to future generations of CES students,” the district said.

The Landing is part of the Ben Carson Reading Project, an initiative of the Carson Scholars Fund founded in 1994 by Dr. Carson and his wife Candy were founded to address the education crisis in the United States. The purpose of the Ben Carson Reading Project is to create a reading and writing environment in which children can become competent and enthusiastic readers.

“As a small child, I didn’t feel like opening a book,” explained Dr. Carson. “My mother, who only had a third-grade education, was determined to make things right. She had my brother and I check out and read two books a week from the Detroit Public Library and submit a written book report.”

“Although I didn't initially accept their ideology, I soon discovered the joy and information hidden between the pages of a book,” Carson added. “Candy and I have made it our lifelong mission to convey the importance of reading.”

At CES, the Carson Scholars Fund joined forces in partnership with other community members to provide the funding and support needed to create “The Landing,” whose theme is a nod to the school's mascot, the eagle. CES Director Tiffany Hyde says her school and community have fully embraced the Ben Carson Reading Project.

“Coopertown Elementary staff and students are honored that we are the second county in Middle Tennessee to offer this enriching opportunity to our students,” Hyde said. “Our space was created to be a welcoming space where our students can continue to nurture their love of reading. We are excited to be part of the Ben Carson Reading Project. This project will help Coopertown Elementary School develop strong readers.”

CES Academic Coach Christie Champion oversaw the project from conception to implementation. One of the first requirements of the room was to choose a theme, which led to the choice “Fly high and land with a good book.”

According to Champion, the acronym SOAR was particularly applicable for two reasons. First, the school mascot is an eagle, and additionally, SOAR is used daily in commencement announcements as students commit to SOAR by being “safe, outstanding, accountable and respectful.”

Champion, herself a CES graduate, also invited former teachers, staff and administrators as special guests to the reading room's dedication ceremony.

“We are grateful for the opportunity to host such a special space where generations of students can soar with a good book,” she said.