Aberfoyle Public School kicked off its “Read to Succeed” read-a-thon campaign on Feb. 3.
The “Community Read-a-bout” event showcased 19 community guests who volunteered their time and circulated among three different classes, sharing their love of reading.
Students were treated to a story, an excerpt from a favourite book, or a life story of how literacy affected their personal and employment life.
Visitors included firefighters, police officers, local politicians and coaches.
In addition, there was representation via the local school board trustee, a representative from the Puslinch branch of the Wellington County Library and six athletes from the University of Guelph (through their “Visit a School” program).
Now that students have set individual daily (number of minutes) reading goals, they are busy collecting monetary pledges with the plan to collectively raise $9,000.
Funds will be used to purchase math manipulatives and technology items.
In keeping with the literacy theme, each student received a book of their own, tucked into their pledge package.
The school offered special thanks to Lisa Bowes, a former Guelphite, who recently authored the book, Lucy Tries Luge. With sponsorship from Olympia Trust Company, Bowes generously donated over 100 books; enough for each child in JK, SK and Grade 1.
The Aberfoyle Parent Council recognized corporate donors supporting this project.
They include Wood Gundy, CIBC, RLB Group, TD Canada Trust, The Ontario Arts Council through the Writers’ Union of Canada, Dufferin Aggregates, and Schneider National.
The month-long event will culminate with visits from the following well-known authors: Renna Bruce of the Jazlyn J book series will speak with the JK to Grade 2 classes, Michael Wade of the And Then It Happened series will visit the Grade 3 to 6 group, and Eric Walters, one of the authors of the Seven series will chat with the Grade 7 and 8 students.
The read-a-thon is more than just a fundraising campaign; it is a literacy campaign designed to encourage students to strengthen their reading skills with daily habits
