Celebrate Read Across America on Feb. 28

The National Education Association (NEA) sponsors the Read Across America event each year on or near March 2, the birthday of beloved children's author Dr. Seuss, who epitomizes a love of learning.

NEARI will celebrate Read Across America on Saturday, February 28, at Warwick Mall.

The fun begins at 10:00 a.m. and continues until 4:00 p.m. Read Across America is free to the public and includes pencils for every child; a chance to register to win prizes donated by NEARI; puzzle and activity sheets; reading advice for parents; a book give-away table, sponsored by NEARI education support professionals; and an opportunity to visit and pose with Cat in the Hat herself. 

PM K Snowmen

After we read Snowballs by Lois Ehlert, the PM kindergartners decorated their own snowmen:

And the Winner Is ... Gaston!

86 students chose from among
9 Mock Caldecott finalists, and
1 came out on top with
16 votes:

Gaston by Kelly DiPucchio, illustrated by Christian Robinson

Thanks to the families who voted at home; in that election, Gaston tied with Froodle by Antoinette Portis.

Super Tuesday Voting - Rooms 1, 2, 3

Unlike today, last Tuesday was snow-free, so the kids could place their votes for Mock Caldecott. Here they are in action, along with some of their ballots:

Grade 5 SWBST Summarizing

In fifth grade, we are practicing the Somebody / Wanted / But / So / Then method of summarizing a story. Here is what the students came up with for some of the books they've read with their classroom teachers:

Trouble River by Betsy Byars

Dewey and his grandma wanted to go down Trouble River to escape the Indians and wait for Dewey's parents at the Dargans' cabin, but the Dargans' cabin was already burnt down. So they decided to continue on the river and go to Hunter City. Then they made their way back unsafely to Hunter City. - A.J.

Dewey wanted to go to the Dargans' house on a raft down Trouble River to escape from the Indians, but when he and his grandma got there, the Dargans' house was burned by Indians. So they got back on the raft and headed toward Hunter City, but got caught in a stormy river. Then Dewey arrived in Hunter City and he stayed with his parents and his grandma. - L.H.

Dewey wanted to go to the Dargans', but the Dargans' cabin burned down. So Dewey and his grandma kept going to Hunter City. Then they arrived and found his parents. - P.D.

Dewey and his grandma wanted his dad and mom to come home with the baby, but an Indian wen to the cabin. So Dewey got his grandma and his dog to go on his raft. Then they eventually went to Hunter City. - E.C.

Grammy wanted to get away from the Indians, but when she and Dewey made their way to the Dargans', they weren't there. So Grammy and Dewey made their way to Hunter City. Then they saw his pa and ma, and Grammy saw her new grandchild. - A.T.

Where the Red Fern Grows by Wilson Rawls

Billy wanted two hunter dogs, but he had to earn money. So he did, and he got the dogs. Then Billy went hunting with the two dogs. - T.C.

Billy wanted two dogs, but he couldn't because he didn't have money. So he worked to get the money. Then he got them, the dogs died, and the red fern as told in legends grew on the dogs. - A.A.

Stargirl by Jerry Spinelli

Stargirl wanted to be popular, but she had to change who she really was to be popular. So she changed back to her real name "Susan." Then she was popular, but she wasn't happy with who she changed into. She moved away. - G.M.

Stargirl Caraway wanted to be together with Leo, but Leo avoided her because of the shunning. So Stargirl turned to normal for Leo. Then Stargirl turned to herself again. - L.P.

Stargirl wanted to be talked to, but she was shunned. And Leo, her crush and boyfriend, was shunned. So no one talked to them. Then she became Susan. - L.S.

Stargirl wanted to be popular, but she was too different. So she tried to be like everyone else. Then everyone wanted to be her friend. - G.B.

Stargirl wanted to be with Leo, but Leo said that he wanted her to become normal. So Stargirl became Susan. Then Leo started to like her, and so did Kevin. - F.K.

From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler by E.L. Konigsburg

Claudia Kincaid wanted to run away from home, but she didn't have enough money. So she invited her brother. Then they had an adventure. - A.P.

Claudia Kincaid wanted information about Angel, but she could not figure it out. So she went to see Mrs. Basil. Then she found out more information about Angel. - T.O.

Claudia wanted to escape from monotony, but nothing would change; everything was the same. So Claudia ran away to the museum. Then she stayed at the museum until she went to Mrs. Frankweiler's and got [driven] home. - S.O.

Mock Caldecott Voting - Room 4

So far, only Room 4 has been able to cast their Mock Caldecott votes (everyone else has had snow days on their library days!). Their top choice was "Go, Go, Go, Stop!" by Charise Mericle Harper. Here they are in action on election day: