MACON — Roberts Academy at Mercer University, a transitional elementary school for dyslexic students in grades 2-5, is launching the Books for Bears summer book drive to enrich its elementary school library.
“An elementary school needs an average of 15-20 books per student,” said Joy Wood, head of school at Roberts Academy. “Students, particularly those with dyslexia, benefit immensely from having access to a variety of engaging and educational reading materials.”
Dyslexia is broadly defined as a difficulty in learning to read. It is a learning difference that most often presents as a gap between a child’s potential and performance in the areas of reading, spelling and writing.
Dyslexia affects up to 20% of the population and represents 80–90% of all those with learning disabilities, according to The Yale Center for Dyslexia and Creativity.
“This book drive is crucial in helping us meet our students’ unique needs and foster a love of reading,” Wood said.
New or gently used children’s books can be dropped off at the following local bookstores: Bear’s Books in Macon at 835 Forsyth St.; Gottwals Books in Byron at 311 GA-49 Suite 190; Gottwals Books in Macon at 2834 Riverside Dr.; and the Mercer University Bookstore in Macon at 1602 Montpelier Ave #100.
“Every book donated will directly impact our students’ learning experience,” said Ashley Evans, a teacher at the Academy. “It’s heartwarming to see our community support our young learners.”
Roberts Academy will begin its inaugural academic year at 1027 Linden Avenue in Macon on Aug. 14. The Books for Bears Book Drive ends on Aug. 1. For more information, contact the Academy’s director of marketing communications at dickson_jc@robertsacademy.org.
About Roberts Academy at Mercer University
The Roberts Academy at Mercer University is the only transitional elementary school of its kind in Georgia outside of Metro Atlanta. The mission of the Academy is to prepare students with dyslexia to achieve academic success through dynamic educational programs. The Academy teaches a comprehensive curriculum designed for grades 2 through 5 using the Orton-Gillingham approach, a specialized learning method clinically proven to help students with dyslexia. Students attend the Academy until they have mastered the skills to accommodate their learning differences and are prepared to succeed in a traditional school setting.
