CCSD21 middle schoolers total nearly 2,000 books read during first trimester as part of reading initiative

As the year wound down, and many realized they would not reach their annual reading goal, middle school students across Community Consolidated School District 21 celebrated their reading achievements with a donut party.

During the first trimester, students managed to read a total of 1,937 books as part of “I Read a Book,” a school-wide literacy initiative that aims to increase the amount of reading in middle school and promote a reading life by the entire staff.

To celebrate the achievement, the homeroom at each grade level to read the most books received donuts from OrganicLife, the district’s food service partner, on Dec. 8. 

Amy Breiler, director of literacy and the arts, said students in each homeroom had prioritized time to read almost every day. As students finish each book, they then complete a Google Reflection form and get a chance to go to their school’s library and media center to choose a prize and decorate a book spine of their choice, which is then displayed at each building.

Teachers also worked on posting signs outside of their doors to show what they were currently reading. The incentive will continue through the rest of the year, with a to-be-determined prize for the top reading homebase at each grade level.