Go Go Summer Reading

Getting city kids to spend their summer reading is no easy task, but a parade, a free book, and a rewards program have helped to motivate the students at one elementary school.  

Students and faculty of , joined community members on a march Friday morning to kick off their annual summer reading program.

The entire Pothier community marched about the school grounds carrying flags covered with summer reading instructions as well as banners that explained the summer reading program requirements.

Following behind, a shiny Woonsocket laddertruck, the school safety patrol proudly led reading teachers dressed as storybook characters, and students in a fun-filled parade. To add to the excitement, students marched alongside members of the fire and police department, the Wonsocket High School ROTC,  bagpiper Brian Willet, and Pawtucket Red Sox mascot PAWS. As the parade concluded, students and faculty proceeded to the school gymnasium for a rally where student Gillian Plasse led them in song, "Go Go Summer reading, A Little Bit Each Day."

Principal Coderre gave a positive and reinforcing message to the group, "It's always an enjoyment when we can celebrate the positive events taking place in our schools. This was a wonderful event for the students and the staff to share their love of reading and prepare for summer. The reading teachers certainly put on an event that the students will remember for years to come. "

Students were overjoyed with their reading specialists Donna Barrette and Jessica Donato who were dressed as Annie and Jack from The Magic Treehouse series. The pair reminded the students that all you need to do is "open a book, point to the picture, and let your imagination take you there."

As part of the kick off program,  students received a free book courtesy of the RIF program along with a list of books available to read over the summer. If students complete the requirements, they will be rewarded in the fall with a 'Super Summer Reader Card' and will also be included in the summer reading celebration. Students will also be treated to several other surprises that will be randomly awarded throughout the school year.

At the end of this exciting day, students were treated to a Dell's lemonade and as a reward for all their hard work throughout the year, the safety patrol members were picked up by Destiny Limousine and taken to lunch. This year's saftey patrol members were Landon Watson, Terrance Souvannasing, Maliyah Sayasit-Hall, Sara Gerrior, Sophia Thomas, Elijah Towre, Tianna carpentier, Jordan Mojica, Garrett Delaney.