Reading Is Sweet At Joseph A. Edgar

From Rocky Point Schools: Joseph A. Edgar Intermediate School students proved that they have a love for reading as they read more than 500,000 minutes this January during this year’s We Are Reading More initiative.

Throughout the monthlong program, students read independently at home and at school, keeping a log of their efforts, and participated in a number of activities and days. Keeping with this year’s theme of Reading is Sweet, students decorated paper candies with their favorite book titles and authors and created paper cupcakes with nonfiction facts, which were displayed in the building. They pledge to stay device free on an electronic blackout day, wore their favorite team shirts on team day and shared their favorite Time for Kids articles and writing pieces with family and friends.

Additionally, special guests, including author Peter Catalanotto and award- winning singer/songwriter Jared Campbell, shared their personal life stories and words of encouragement for overcoming obstacles. Mr. Catalanotto spoke about the desire to always be an artist and the evolution into becoming a writer as well while Mr. Campbell performed a number of songs he has written, focused on the value of creating lasting relationships and embracing the value of others. Students earned rewards throughout the month, including raffle tickets to become eligible for various prizes to entertainment establishments and stores in the area. Winners of the raffles were announced during the culminating WARM activity. Teachers donned silly outfits and went head to head in grade level races to celebrate all of the students efforts and accomplishments.

Photo courtesy of the Rocky Point School District