ST. THOMAS, USVI – Students who completed the 10thAnnual Governor’s Summer Reading Challenge were invited to special screenings of Ralph Breaks the Internet and Spiderman into the Spiderverse at the Market SquareCaribbean Cinemas movie theater on Saturday, December 15, marking the successful conclusion of the 2018 Challenge that promotes literacy.
The outing, which catered to 210 students in grades K-6 who read five or more books during the summer months, celebrated the students’ achievements with screenings of the movies, giveaways and food.
Students check-in at welcome desk and receive movie tickets
In a statement on the readfive.org website, Education Commissioner Dr. Sharon Ann McCollum highlighted the importance of reading.
“The Challenge is a great way to keep students engaged in reading during the summer months and is an activity the Department of Education looks forward to each year,” she said. “Parents, I encourage you to read to your children and allow them to read to you. Discuss the books you read this summer and let your imagination run wild.”
Student Mirza Nuraz Baig, a fifth grader at Lockhart Elementary School, read 372 books, making him the top reader in the district. For his accomplishment, Mirza received a Kindle FireHD.
Students get delicious treats on their way into the movie
Lockhart Elementary School produced the most readers in the 2018 Challenge, with 113 students participating. All Reading Challenge participants received a certificate and a goodie bag for completing the three-month activity, which runs from June to September. For the first time this year, however, the Challenge was extended to November due to delayed school openings in September.
Each year, students in grades K-6 at public, private and parochial schools across the Territory are supplied a starter packet of up to two books written and illustrated by Caribbean authors and illustrators. Students are encouraged to find additional books to read by visiting their local libraries or using e-books. Students keep track of the books they read on tracking sheets provided for each grade level.
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