For the very first time District Elementary Schools recently participated in the 100 Days of Reading Challenge. The campaign, sponsored by Save the Children, provided books and educational materials for 750,000 kids in rural America. The organization works in the United States and around the world to prepare children for kindergarten and help them learn to read by third grade. Britaney Cheatham, Academic Coach, introduced the campaign to principals at all three elementary schools.
McLaurin Elementary School
Delequa Drake’s third grade class read at least 14 books each to earn a prize. “It is important to instill a love of reading in our students,” said Drake, “we have to give them the resources they need to be successful readers.” When asked why they participated in the challenge, the answers varied. One student said he did it because he wanted to win the prize, while others said they were encouraged by their parents to participate.
West Elementary School
Approximately 125 students from West Elementary School participated in the challenge. The top reader, a fifth grader, read 56 books. Hayleigh Bailey, 42; Derriune Shropshire, 28; Cusen Campbell, 28; Katelyn Mercer, 28; and John Mercer, 28 were top readers. Though the challenge has ended, Librarian Shemeka Parker plans to continue to use small incentives to encourage students to continue to read. “Students are required to read 20 minutes each day. They can read at home or at school, with a partner, or on a device,” Parker said.
Frazier Elementary School
Ziyyon Carter, Zoie Logan, Alvin Collins, K’nya White, and Braitlyn Marshall are the top readers at Frazier. Each student read 28 books each. School librarian Annette Moreland said, “My goal is to create a love for reading in our students.” Students that read 14 books and turned a log into the library each got to select a prize.