Hooked on phonics: Fruitville Elementary School receives book donation

The Jewish Family and Children’s Service of the Suncoast hosted a free book distribution for Fruitville Elementary School students.

  • By Whitney Elfstrom
  • | 1:07 p.m. June 10, 2019
  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
  • Share

Summer reading just got a little easier for Fruitville Elementary School students thanks to the Jewish Family and Children’s Service of the Suncoast (JFCS).

The organization held its fifth annual book distribution for grades K-5 on June 10 where it donated 250 books. Student attending the summer learning academy were allowed to take home one book of their choosing. 

"The success of this program is because of the giving community (Sarasota) that we all live in," said Sheila Birnbaum, volunteer project manager of JFCS. "Our goal is to help the children who have the least and need the most."

As students perused the tables covered in books they stopped to point out their favorites. Some elected to read their new books with their teachers or friends while others read aloud to themselves. 

Kelsey Whealy, the Sarasota County School spokeswoman, said that the program helps to to highlight the county's focus on literacy and get students excited about books. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fruitville Elementary School students look through the 250 books from the Jewish Family and Children’s Service of the Suncoast.
Fruitville Elementary School students look through the 250 books from the Jewish Family and Children’s Service of the Suncoast.
Maydee Cisneros,7, flips through a book from the
Maydee Cisneros,7, flips through a book from the "Unicorn Princess" series.
Books are on display for grade levels K-5.
Books are on display for grade levels K-5.
Kingston Willhen, 7, reads his new book out loud.
Kingston Willhen, 7, reads his new book out loud.
Children pick from books like
Children pick from books like "One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish."
Aurora Gordon debates choosing
Aurora Gordon debates choosing "Sleep Like A Tiger."
Caroline Zucker, vice chair of the School Board, helps Aleha Alicea read her new book.
Caroline Zucker, vice chair of the School Board, helps Aleha Alicea read her new book.
Miles Wilkes, 6, and Chase Lutz, 6, read their new books together.
Miles Wilkes, 6, and Chase Lutz, 6, read their new books together.
Ghia Fuantase, 6, shows her book choice to Sheila Birnbaum, volunteer project manager for Jewish Family and Children’s Service of the Suncoast.
Ghia Fuantase, 6, shows her book choice to Sheila Birnbaum, volunteer project manager for Jewish Family and Children’s Service of the Suncoast.
Samantha Enyart, Rhea Krolik, Lane Juarez, and Aldo Negrete
Samantha Enyart, Rhea Krolik, Lane Juarez, and Aldo Negrete
The kindergarten and first graders read their new books with their teachers.
The kindergarten and first graders read their new books with their teachers.
The Jewish Family and Children’s Service of the Suncoast's donation includes classics like
The Jewish Family and Children’s Service of the Suncoast's donation includes classics like "Junie B. Jones."
Chiante Townsend, 7, chooses a new book about dinosaurs.
Chiante Townsend, 7, chooses a new book about dinosaurs.
Principal Dusty French reads
Principal Dusty French reads "The City Mouse and the Country Mouse" to Yissel Mendoza, 6.

 

Latest News

Sarasota Police on Monday recovered a sunken, capsized boat from Hudson Bayou that had been swamped for more than three years.
  • December 6, 2025
Long-abandoned boat removed by Sarasota Police
Sarasota City Attorney Joe Polzak and City Auditor and Clerk Shayla Griggs during a meeting of the Sarasota City Commission.
  • December 5, 2025
Sarasota charter official evaluations begin this month
You'd better watch out: Tow-away zones set for Sarasota holiday parade
  • December 4, 2025
You'd better watch out: Tow-away zones set for Sarasota holiday parade
A satellite image of Hurricane Irma.
  • December 4, 2025
Hurricane season ends without Florida landfall

Sponsored Health Content

Sponsored Content