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Hilltoppers go under the sea to shop for books
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Neighbors | Abby Slanker.After shopping and making purchases at Hilltop Elementary School’s annual book fair, a group of fourth-grade students got busy reading their new books on March 24.
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Neighbors | Abby Slanker.Hilltop Elementary School fourth-grade students enjoyed shopping for books ‘under the sea’ with help from a ‘swimming’ scuba diver which was part of the colorful decorations throughout the library for the school’s annual book fair on March 24.
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Neighbors | Abby Slanker.Hilltop Elementary School fourth-grade students browsed shelves full of books at the school’s annual under the sea-themed book fair March 24.
By ABBY SLANKER
Hilltop Elementary School students went Under the Sea to shop for books during the school’s annual book fair March 19-20, 24, 26-27. With the library decorated with colorful sea creatures made and decorated by the students, along with a treasure chest full of jewels, stingrays hanging from the ceiling and a scuba diver ‘swimming’ in the middle of it all, the students were able to peruse a large variety of books available for purchase.
The students attended the book fair during their scheduled library times. The students also visited the book fair the week before they were scheduled to shop so they could browse and create a wish list of books they wanted to buy.
Students could also attend the book fair during the school’s K.I.S.S. evening event, during which Kids Invite Someone Special, to look over the book collection and make purchases March 19. Outback Ray and Clifford the Big Red Dog joined the students and their families for the event.
The book fair was organized by Patti Hockensmith, C.H. Campbell Elementary School and Hilltop Elementary School librarian/media specialist and Steph Shapiro served as book fair chair
A variety of books of all reading levels were available for the children to choose from, including chapter books, picture books, facts and stat books, reference books, cookbooks, bestsellers and books about animals.
Parents and grandparents were invited to the days of the book fair to help the students shop. The book fair also offered adult bestsellers for the parents and grandparents who attended the fair. Students could also purchase posters, bookmarks, pencils, novelty erasers, journals, pens, stickers and more.
Cookbooks were also available for purchase, with one having a special connection to the school. Third-grade teacher Karen Pavlov’s recipe for gingerbread hazelnut biscotti appeared in the Taste of Home cookbook.
“Mrs. Pavlov didn’t even know the recipe was in there. It was a surprise to her and she found out about it at our book fair. It was pretty funny,” Hockensmith said.
Each teacher was able to choose books they would like for their classroom use, and students were able to purchase the books for the classroom.
Members of the school’s PTO helped set up the book fair, operated the checkout during the fair and were also available to help the children pick out books.
Hockensmith stated proceeds from the book fair are not only used to buy books for the library, but will also be used to buy items for the school.