Reading Week at Dexter Schools November 2013

SUBMITTED photos from Karen Kiger/Central Elementary and Melanie Keena/Southwest Elementary Elementary students in Dexter got an opportunity to "Gather Around the Campfire and Read S'more Books!" during this week's observance of Reading Week at both Central and Southwest Schools. Each day this week has held a special theme for student and staff participation. Monday was "Trail Your Favorite Book" Day. Tuesday was "Gear up for Camping." Wednesday was "Book an Adventure." Thursday was "Sitting Around the Campfire," and Friday is "Happy Camper Day." Special reading incentives were conducted throughout the week, with bookmarks distributed to all students on Monday. Any kindergarten or first grader reading five or more books during the week received a McDonald's certificate. Any second grader reading 10 books or more for the week received a McDonald's treat. "Celebrity" guest readers were also invited to read a story to a child's classroom throughout the week. Teachers also provided Silent Sustained Reading (SSR) time each day during class time. Reading Specialists Katy Tarbutton and April Aldridge say the week was a huge success, with record numbers of books read and records numbers of children and staff members participating in the various theme days, especially Wednesday when all were encouraged to dress as their favorite character from a book, as depicted in the accompanying photos.