March is reading month and several schools across the county are celebrating by hosting book drives, book swaps, reading days and open houses to highlight students’ writing.

Most journalists, the VIEW staff included, seek to inform readers about the issues as fairly and impartially as they can. Even in a column — when I take what some might call a fervent position — I hope it provides readers some perspective and fosters discussion on all sides of the issue.

In this case, I am whole-heartedly, unabashedly taking a completely biased position: Reading is essential, especially to younger children just developing their reading skills.

So, with the blessings of our staff, the VIEW wants to help out. Beginning March 1, anyone who wants to donate books to area elementary children can drop books off at our office, 110 E. Grand Blanc Rd. (Right next door to the Big Boy restaurant in downtown Grand Blanc.)

At the end of the month, I will personally deliver the literary plunder to the school districts’ main offices to circulate to their students.

Of course, you can also take books to the schools directly — I’m sure they will not turn you away. You might even get a hearty “thank you.”

Other options: three Grand Blanc elementary schools host a book drive beginning next week, and Goodrich has a Family Fun Night at Reid Elementary on March 12, which includes a book swap.

Goodrich rumors
Goodrich took a commendable pro-active step last week when it sent home a letter to parents, reassuring them that there was no credible evidence of a rumored threat at the middle school.

Middle school principal Dr. Jerry Lawrason sent a letter dated Feb. 20 to parents saying a rumor that a student was going to bring a gun to school and target some students wasn’t credible.

The district did conduct an investigation and informed the Genesee County Sheriff’s Dept. of the situation. Supt. Larry Allen said that after the letter went home, 95 percent of the phone calls his office received were to thank the district for addressing the issue and allaying parents’ concerns.

After the school shootings that have seemingly multiplied in the last decade or so, schools can’t afford to ignore even the most benign-sounding rumor anymore.

In this case, Goodrich staff did their jobs and, hopefully, students will learn an important lesson — that the power of a rumor can cause great concern, and comes with its own set of consequences.

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