Several Aldine ISD Schools Participate in National ‘Read for the Record’ Event

Kujawa EC/PK Center students listened attentively as Neley Haynes read “Otis” by Loren Long to them.

Several Aldine ISD campuses participated in [icons icon_name=”icon-external-link” icon_size=”14px”]Jumpstart’s Read for the Record® Campaign, which was celebrated nationally on October 3. Jumpstart’s Read for the Record®, presented in partnership with the [icons icon_name=”icon-external-link” icon_size=”14px”]Pearson Foundation, is an annual reading celebration that highlights the need for quality early education in America by mobilizing adults and children to set a record for the largest shared reading experience. Last year, more than 2.3 million people participated in the record-breaking campaign.

Participating schools had students read Penguin’s Otis by [icons icon_name=”icon-external-link” icon_size=”14px”]Loren Long. Otis is a timeless story of a friendship between a lovable tractor and a calf that live on a farm. Otis is replaced by a new tractor and learns the meaning of perseverance and true friendship when the calf needs his help.

The “record-breakers” participating in the campaign could also read the book for free at [icons icon_name=”icon-external-link” icon_size=”14px”]We Give Books, the free digital reading initiative created by Penguin and the Pearson Foundation.

According to Cindy Buchanan, AISD program director of library media services, the information literacy specialists of participating AISD schools helped coordinate campus events to enhance the reading experience. Some classes listened to the story, others participate in reading the book together, some students danced to songs about friendship, and some students drew pictures of their best friends. Participating AISD campuses included Conley Elementary School, Kujawa EC/PK Center, Odom Elementary School, Orange Grove Elementary School, and Vines EC/PK Center.

“This is a great campaign that advocates for all children to get the jump start they need to thrive in school and life,” said Buchanan.

Since the campaign’s inception in 2006, more than nine million people have joined local Jumpstart’s Read for the Record® reading celebrations and more than $8 million has been raised to support Jumpstart’s year-round work in schools in low-income neighborhoods. In addition, the Pearson Foundation has donated 1.2 million books to schools, libraries and community organizations in conjunction with the campaign.

“We know that for children living in low-income communities, the need for high-quality early education in our country is significant,” said Naila Bolus, president and CEO of Jumpstart. “By the time these children enter kindergarten, they are already 60% behind their more affluent peers. Jumpstart’s ‘Read for the Record’ brings light to this national issue and gives citizens a platform to voice their support for this cause.”

Conley Elementary School kindergarten students enjoyed an assembly where they listened to the story of “Otis,” danced to a song about friends, and drew pictures of their best friends. Trina Jones, information literacy specialist at the campus, coordinated the event with colleagues Dorenda Truett and Verlinda Phillips-Thompson.

Odom Elementary School students enjoyed listening to the “Otis” eBook. Triona Marlatt, information literacy specialist at the campus, coordinated the event.

Vines EC/PK Center students listened to Kay White, information literacy specialist at the campus, read “Otis” to them during an assembly.

Students in kindergarten through second grade at Orange Grove Elementary visited the library to hear Debbie Collier, information literacy specialist at the campus, read “Otis” by Loren Long to them.