43
West students, books are winning combination
Photo
Neighbors | Sarah Foor .West third-graders Lily Klisiewicz (left) and Jillian Dunleavy cuddled up with their favorite books on Feb. 7 to celebrate Right to Read Week.
Photo
Neighbors | Sarah Foor .A group of third-graders smiled during their celebratory reading time on Feb. 7 for Right to Read Week at West Elementary.
Photo
Neighbors | Sarah Foor .Jenn Dravecky, a teacher at Glenwood Middle School, stopped by West Elementary on Feb. 7 to read to students. Dravecky recently went on a trip to Washington, D.C., and saw Bo Obama, the first family's dog, during a tour of the White House. Dravecky read a a book about Bo for her story time.
By SARAH FOOR
Reading became a sport for the students at West Boulevard Elementary during Right to Read Week celebrations from Feb. 6-10.
Throughout the Boardman district, Right to Read Week offered a theme celebrating that people come in all shapes and sizes. The officials at West married the week’s idea with their school theme of “West All Stars.”
The entrance to the school was decorated with lights and checkered flags, urging the students to race toward reading. Outside the school library, a football end zone complete with comfortable seating offered students a place to pause and read during their day.
However, the week really came alive when local sports stars and community officials stopped in at the school to share stories with students.
On Feb. 7, Youngstown State University cheerleaders visited the school with YSU mascots Pete and Penny. On Feb. 10, a group of YSU football players also visited West, reading stories to kids and urging the students to continue to be strong readers.
Guest readers were free to share any selection they wished. Reader Jenn Dravecky, a teacher at Glenwood Middle School, shared the book “First Dog” by J. Patrick Lewis. After recently making a trip to Washington D.C., and seeing president’s dog, Bo, during a tour of the White House, Dravecky read the story and connected it to her recent experiences.
Third-grade teacher LeAnne Snyder said all the fun of Right to Read Week at West is good for the community and the students.
“It’s great to get the community involved and have them see the great things going on at West. For the students, it’s wonderful to see their excitement for reading that goes far beyond this week,” Snyder shared.