Ossining First-Grader Reaches Milestone by Reading 1,000 Books

After several years of voracious reading, Brookside School first-grader Princess Khadija Loum recently finished her 1,000th book.

Princess started the school district’s 1,000 Books Project when she was in Little School, a half-day program for 3-year-olds. These days, her favorite books are the “Amelia Bedelia” and “Pinkalicious” series.

“Princess has come a long way from the beginning of the year. She is always ready to sit down and read with me what she has practiced at home,” said Maitane Urruchua, one of her teachers in the dual-language program. “She constantly wants to be challenged by reading more difficult books in Spanish and uses all her strategies to comprehend the story. Princess is a great reader and we are really proud of her dedication and hard work.”

Teacher Nicole Capezza said Princess is a hard-working student who loves to read. “She pushes herself to read books that come as a challenge to her, and her hard work pays off,” she said.

The Ossining Board of Education recognized Princess’ accomplishment at its June 10 meeting.

Princess’ mother said her daughter would love to start over and read everything again.

The goal of the 1,000 Books Project, which was established in 2004, is to help children from birth to 6 acquire skills they need for reading success and get excited about reading. The Ossining Staff Development Center developed the program with the Ossining Public Library.

More than 800 families have registered for the program since it began, said Mary Catherine Hillman, director of the center. There is usually at least one reader each school year who reaches the 1,000-book milestone. In some years, there have been as many as five, especially if siblings are reading together, she said.

“Listening to stories at a young age helps a child develop a lifelong love of reading and learning, and making a commitment to reading 1,000 books takes dedication and passion,” Hillman said. “The Ossining Staff Development Center congratulates Princess for reaching her goal.”

The 1,000 Books Project and the Summer Reading Game kick off at the library on June 27. Children who participate in the 1,000 Books Project can borrow canvas bags filled with 10 age-appropriate books each from the children’s room at the library.

The Ossining Staff Development Center added a second series of 620 bilingual books, with English and a second language, such as Spanish or Chinese. That makes it easier for parents who aren’t native English speakers to read to their young children.

The center offers courses and workshops for teachers throughout the school year. It has been funded through a state grant since 1992.