A NASS Valley school kicked of its reading challenge with an afternoon of reading, food, and fun on National Literacy Day Jan. 27.
Approximately 120 people from the community turned out for the event at Alvin A. McKay Elementary in Greenville (Laxgalts’ap).
“It was very successful,” said Tom Wilkinson, principal at the school. “All the students had fun.”
Students are participating in a reading
challenge where 55 of them will attempt to read 750 books in three months.
During the afternoon Ksi Xy’ans Daycare Head Start provided “brain food” such as cups of berries, salmon sandwiches and deviled eggs.
There was a community book exchange where two tables, which started out piled high with books, were left almost empty after the event.
Teachers and community members gave additional motivation to students by giving public pledges of what they would do if the challenge is successful.
One teacher has offered to buy all of the students ice cream. District superintendent Keith Spencer has promised to dress like the Cat in the Hat and read Dr. Seuss stories to the children.
Regular updates will be provided.
Wilkinson said one of the highlights of the afternoon took place when three senior students read a Robert Munch story aloud to everyone present.
He said the support from staff within the school on the
project has been outstanding.
“As a principal I am excited to have teaching staff that promote literacy in all
subject areas and all aspects of their teaching,” Wilkinson said.