Last week, some very special students were invited to a donut party in the library. The party was to celebrate their participation and achievement in a challenge titled, “Donut” Stop Reading. At the beginning of the school year, our ILS, Mrs. Ramirez, challenged all students to read 30 young adult books. Many students began the challenge, but only the elite persevered to the end. Those who did, attended the party.
Students were awarded certificates and each chose a prize ranging from snacks to gift cards. Two top readers emerged from the group, Isabel T. who read 117 books, and Bridget L. who read 101 books. Those students received grand prize gift cards for their efforts.
Throughout the year students had to keep a digital log of the books they read. They also had to visit with Mrs. Ramirez to chat about each book. These conversations helped build positive relationships between students and the librarian, which led to book recommendations and opening doors to new genres. Prior to the May donut party, students who had read 15 books attended a mid-year celebration.
