K-6th grade students at Joseph Sibilly Elementary School received books at the launch of the 8th Annual Governor's Summer Reading Challenge on St. Thomas, Wednesday, June 8, 2016. All students in grades K-6 across the territory received books. The Challenge will run through September 23, 2016.
The 8th Annual Governor’s Summer Reading Challenge launch at elementary schools across the Territory on Wednesday, June 8 was marked by reading, music and excitement! Students in grades K-6 received books and a special letter from Governor Kenneth Mapp to jump start their summer reading. In an effort to inspire students to participate in the Challenge, which asks them to read five or more books during the summer months to enhance their literacy skills, special events were held at Joseph Sibilly Elementary School on St. Thomas and Eulalie Rivera Elementary School on St. Croix.
On St. Thomas, Sibilly students assembled outdoors to receive their books and hear inspirational messages from Education and Government House officials. Sam Topp, deputy director of communications in the Office of the Governor, told students that knowing how to read can open many doors for them as they grow older. Mario Picayo, book publisher, provided students with an overview of the books they received. He pointed out that each book was written and illustrated by Virgin Islands’ or Caribbean authors, a unique feature of the V.I. Governor’s Summer Reading Challenge. Lois Hassell-Habtes, a former Sibilly principal and author of the Broo ‘Nansi storybook students received, participated in the celebration by playing her guitar and captivating students with her storytelling. Broo ‘Nansi is the first in a series of books designed to preserve and continue the Virgin Islands’ oral storytelling tradition. Elementary Programs Coordinator Kalamis Maduro led the excited students in chants and read aloud to them.
On St. Croix, Eulalie Rivera K-6th graders assembled in the school’s cafeteria and each received two books by grade level. The high-spirited event was highlighted by step dancing, poems, an appearance by Doc McStuffins and, of course, reading. On hand to motivate the students was Assistant Commissioner of Education Chermaine Hobson-Johnson, who engaged the students in a comprehension activity. Other presenters were St. Croix Deputy Superintendent Faith Dane George, Elementary Programs Coordinator Jeselle Cruse Peters, and Education Program Manager Denise Gomes. Cherie Munchez, director of communications in the Office of the Governor, shared the importance and benefits of reading with students.
The Governor’s Summer Reading Challenge is sponsored by the Office of the Governor in partnership with the Virgin Islands Department of Education. The Challenge will run through September 23, 2016.
For more information on the 8th Annual Governor’s Summer Reading Challenge, visit www.readfive.org.
| Elementary Programs Coordinator Kalamis Maduro reads to students at launch of 8th Annual Governor's Summer Reading Challenge on St. Thomas. |
| Student participates in reading activity by giving Spanish translation of book "We Are the Pirates" at the launch of the 8th Annual Governor's Summer Reading Challenge on St. Thomas. |
| Book publisher Mario Picayo shares details of books with students at launch of 8th Annual Governor's Summer Reading Challenge on St. Thomas. |
| Sam Topp, deputy director of communications in the Office of the Governor, speaks to students at launch of 8th Annual Governor's Summer Reading on St. Thomas. |
| Mr. Topp helps distribute books to students at launch of 8th Annual Governor's Summer Reading Challenge on St. Thomas. |
| Dr. Lois Hassell-Habtes shares oral tradition with students at launch of 8th Annual Governor's Summer Reading Challenge on St. Thomas. |
| Dr. Lois Hassell-Habtes shares oral tradition with students at launch of 8th Annual Governor's Summer Reading Challenge on St. Thomas. |
| Dr. Lois Hassell-Habtes shares oral tradition with students at launch of 8th Annual Governor's Summer Reading Challenge on St. Thomas. |
| Dr. Lois Hassell-Habtes shares oral tradition with students at launch of 8th Annual Governor's Summer Reading Challenge on St. Thomas. |
