Paton-Churdan is celebrating National Young Readers Week this week with a variety of special activities.
National Young Readers Week was co-founded in 1989 by Pizza Hut and the Center for the Book in the Library of Congress.
Principal Annie Smith kicked off the week Monday by taking the Principal’s Challenge to read the entire work day. She spent the day tailgating outside her office door, and her reading included reading aloud to classes. She’s pictured reading to the first grade class.
According to the Young Readers Week website, last year 1,500 principals across the country took the challenge.
Smith chose a Cyclone tailgate theme because the school hosted former ISU football player and now children’s author Coach Sloth for a special program Tuesday afternoon. Coach Sloth played cornerback on the 2000 team, the first ISU football team to win a bowl game. He now coaches, has had roles in “We Are Marshall,” “Leatherheads,” “Touchback,” “The Amazing Spiderman” and “Batman,” and writes children’s books. Sammy Sloth’s Big Fish and Sammy Sloth Sports Superstar are much loved by children.
Students have a day off school Wednesday for a teacher work day. On Thursday, everyone in the building, including cooks, secretaries, and even the custodian, will read from 9 to 9:30 am. Friday is “Bring Your Favorite Book Day.” Students and teachers are invited to dress as a character from a favorite book.
