Area schools continue reading partnership

The seven public school districts in Garland County will join together on Tuesday to launch the second year of a collaborative reading initiative.

The second annual Garland County Reads event will be held on Tuesday from 5-7 p.m. at the Hot Springs Farmers & Artisans Market, located at 121 Orange St. More than 1,000 guests attended the first event in 2016, which kicked off the inaugural "One County, One Book" program.

"Reading is the treasure chest of learning," said Lakeside School District Superintendent Shawn Cook. "It is so important in a student's academic growth. It is great to get the entire community involved in and invested in our students and reading."

The initiative was initiated to promote literacy through conversations among families of elementary students throughout Garland County by reading the same children's book at the same time. Elementary classes in each district read "School Days According to Humphrey," by Betty G. Birney. Students were encouraged to read with each other, their friends and family members to engage in reading and build a community of literacy.

"This year, there is even more excitement because the kids know what to expect and the conversations have already started," said Heather Hughes, library media specialist for Cutter Morning Star Elementary School. "This is a chance for families to come out and enjoy free food, entertainment and community involvement all centered around reading."

Former Hot Springs School District superintendent Mike Hernandez helped organize the countywide effort with the Tri-Lakes Reading Council. The Hot Springs and Lake Hamilton school districts participated in the "One District, One Book" program the previous school year.

The collaborative efforts have been praised at the state level. Hughes, president of the Arkansas Association of Instructional Media, helped spotlight the county program in the AAIM Journal in 2016.

Every elementary student in Garland County will receive and read free copies of "Ralph S. Mouse," by Beverly Cleary. The planning committee invited a number of local and state officials to attend the event as community readers. Cutter Morning Star Superintendent Nancy Anderson and a host of other community readers will read the first chapter of the book aloud at 5:30 p.m.

About 20 booths, live entertainment and refreshments will be on hand Tuesday. Students, families and friends from Cutter Morning Star, Fountain Lake, Hot Springs, Jessieville, Lake Hamilton, Lakeside and Mountain Pine are all welcome to attend.

"We enjoy working with the other schools in the county, businesses and members in the community and have their engagement in Garland County Reads," Cook said. "We hope that everyone will come out and support the students and schools in Garland County as well as enjoy the festivities next week."

Students will be tasked with reading with their parents, caregivers and siblings in accordance with a countywide calendar. Their reading will be complemented by classroom activities, including trivia questions, discussions and art projects.

Local on 10/01/2017

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