Wednesday, September 3, 2014

Plainville Middle School incorporates their digital library with the Read Right Run program

We love hearing ideas on how schools connect with their students, faculty and/or community to promote their digital library. Joyce Lynch, Library Information Teacher at The Middle School of Plainville (Connecticut), learned about a program called Read Right Run and decided to put one together during the 2014 – 2015 school year. While their digital library only plays a small role, this is a fantastic way to engage students in many aspects. The Read Right Run program encompasses three themes: reading, community, and health, and has four goals:

  • Promote reading for pleasure
  • Encourage participants to do kind deeds
  • Support physical fitness
  • Foster perseverance, independence, and personal responsibility

As it’s a marathon, participants pledge to read 26 books, run 26 miles, and do 26 right deeds in 26 weeks from October 1, 2014 – April 1, 2015. To ensure that students remain on track, they will check in with designated teachers every three weeks. During those sessions, students may participate in fun physical fitness activities led by local YMCA instructors.

bluedevil_33Students may choose to read any kind of book that interests them. They may select print books, eBooks, or audiobooks, and that's where their digital library comes in handy. Students will be given a graphic organizer in a packet to keep track of their reading, mileage, and good deeds.

Every successful finisher will receive: a RRR tee shirt, designed by Leah Wachtelhausen (see photo), a string bag with a variety of “goodies” including a granola bar and bottle of water, and a medal, as well as a wonderful sense of accomplishment for completing a multi-faceted challenge. The Middle School of Plainville is fortunate to have a dedicated group of 14 faculty and administrators who have put in numerous hours to plan and organize such a huge event. MSP is also grateful to have the support of numerous local companies who have generously provided financial assistance:

Plainville Community Fund at Main Street Community Foundation, Healthy Plainville and the YMCA, Fleet Feet Sports, Gnazzo’s Food Center, Farmer Joe’s Gardens, the local McDonald’s and Staples.

Joyce found a way to incorporate their digital library as a piece of something much bigger and beneficial for their students, and we applaud her for putting this all together. We'd love to hear what initiatives you have for this school year, and let us know if there's any way we can help!

 

Beau Livengood is an Account Specialist at OverDrive.

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