NCPS is an open book
The fact that you are reading this tells me that you are one of the many people who love reading, something that is happening at our local elementary school in a big way.
Despite this growing digital world, our students are continually being encouraged to read for pleasure.
From Jan. 25-30, NCPS will be hosting a Book Fair where the purchase of books will help to support the school library. On Jan. 26 they are having a “Read-a-thon” where kindergarten parents are invited to come in and read with their children in the library from 9 a.m. to 9:45 am. On top of that, they are having a “literacy” spirit day encouraging students to dress up like their favourite story book character. One of the major programs that exists at all Simcoe County schools is called the “Forest of Reading Program”, where books written by Canadian authors are read and enjoyed by all grades.
You may have heard of the programs, Blue Spruce, Silver Birch and Red Maple. Students read the book for their level and then vote on their favourite. Last year, one of the Canadian authors, Jennifer Mook-Sang, visited the school in April to celebrate the end of the program. In the past, the school has received monetary donations from the Creemore Legion Ladies Auxiliary to support the purchase of materials for this wonderful program.
The school places nameplates in the books showing who generously donated them. If anyone is interested in sponsoring this year’s books, contact the school librarian Carolyn Pike. On my visits to the school the library is always a beehive of activity with students eagerly lining up to sign out books. There are advantages however to this digital age as it provides opportunities for students to log in to “SCDSB Read Aloud” or even “Global Read Aloud” enabling students from all across the board or globe to read the same book and then connect with others online to have a discussion. This would take our adult book clubs to whole new level wouldn’t it?
NCPS really appreciates the community support for literacy, particularly from Curiosity House Books, which regularly brings in authors to share their work.
As we encourage families to read with their children at home we are reminded that “there is no app to replace your lap”!
Finally I wanted to thank the community for their response to my last article about the Breakfast Program. Kind community members came forward with offers to bake, donate or just help out where needed. Don’t hesitate to contact principal Alison Golding at 705-466-2624 if you have a desire to volunteer or get involved.
Annie Chandler is SCDSB trustee representing Clearview Township and Collingwood.
