Thanks to a $1,000 donation from Sit and Sleep, students at Sand Hill Elementary may not even notice that the school’s media center budget was cut by $4,000 this year. The school plans to use the generous donation to purchase new reading software that can be used in each of its 21st century classrooms.
“It will be like having Amazon Kindle at Sand Hill,” explained SHES Principal Kristen Richards.
The software, called Tumblebooks, will allow teachers to download books using their Interwrite systems, which the students can then view and read together on a projection screen.
“Having this software means students can read books that we wouldn’t be able to buy if we had to purchase one for each student,” added Richards.
“It really expands what our media specialist and language arts teachers can do to provide guided reading.”
Media Specialist Sayra Harris believes the $1,000 is being used in the best possible way because every student benefits from it.
“We are very appreciative of the donation,” she said. “The software we will purchase provides a lot of different programs and resources that will be available in every classroom.”
Gary Javo, the owner of Sit and Sleep, said the donation is the first he’s made as part of the “Sit and Sleep Community” program that will provide $1,000 or the equivalent in materials once a month to a non-profit group in the coastal Savannah area.
“Our business is doing well right now,” Javo said, “but a lot of groups are not. I just thought it would be a good thing to do.”
Sit and Sleep can be found on Montgomery Crossroad across from Red Lobster, on Eisenhower Drive next to Food Lion, and on Abercorn next to Savannah Mall.
Richards said Javo approached her at open house and expressed his interest in doing something for the students.
“It was not the first time Mr. Javo has offered to help,” she added. “But he wanted to do something now that would make a big impact on every student.”
Richards said there were no strings attached to the donation. Javo wanted her to decide how best to use the money.
“Sit and Sleep is a great business partner,” Richards said. “Like all of our business partners, we greatly appreciate Mr. Javo’s support.”
