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I Love to Read Month Rocks Harlem Elementary

Harlem Elementary celebrated ‘I Love to Read’ month, featuring exciting challenges and activities throughout February and on through the first week of March.

The main venture dared the students to meet the criteria for both individual and schoolwide Accelerated Reader (AR) points, with prizes awarded for top readers, plus the possibility of earning a ‘Pie in the Face’ challenge.

The students eagerly took on the task, and as the month progressed, so did the Accelerated Reader Meter.

At last, the total AR points met and exceeded the schoolwide goal needed to proceed with the ‘Pie in the Face’ contest!

The students were also competing in grade-level writing contests, with the chance of winning various gift cards.

Meanwhile, the students also participated in numerous other activities, including Hats Off to a Good Book (wear a hat), Read my T-shirt (wear a shirt with words), Buddy Reading (older students read to younger students),

Character Day (dress up as a favorite book character), and Stop, Drop, & Read segments interspersed within the daily schedules. An Accelerated Reader Ice Cream incentive party was also held to commemorate Dr. Seuss’ 113th birthday, complete with cake and ice cream, birthday candles, and balloons.

All of these enjoyable activities ultimately led to the grand finale. An all-school assembly was held on Friday, March 3rd, capping off the month-long AR challenge.

To kick off the assembly, the top 2 students with the most AR points from each grade level received books, posters, and certificates to celebrate their achievements.

Next, Super Reader Kylee Zander, won the grand prize for having the greatest amount of AR points in the entire Elementary, and was awarded a Kindle Fire for her accomplishment. The writing contest winners were also announced with each champion receiving a $25 gift card.

Finally, what the students were most definitely waiting for: It was time for the ‘Pie in the Face” challenge! Those students who met the required number of AR points had their names added to the drawing bucket, earning the chance to throw a pie in the face of a student elected group of staff members.

As each lucky name was drawn, the student chose his or her intended target, and then ‘let it fly!’ The laughter and excitement escalated as each new recipient was left dripping in whipped cream.

As the celebration came to an end, it was obvious “I Love to Read” month was unquestionably a huge success, as proven by the exuberant smiles on the students’ faces.