Eleven students literally read their way to the top this school year and became the first Collier County students to earn K is for Kids’ 2015 Top Reader Book Awards.
The third through fifth graders from Golden Terrace Elementary Intermediate School enjoyed a field trip to Waterside Shops recently where they enjoyed a tour of and lunch at California Pizza Kitchen, ice cream cones at Haagen Dazs Ice Cream, and a shopping trip for books to enrich their home libraries at Barnes & Noble Booksellers.
Golden Terrace Elementary is the focus school for K is for Kids’ Rising Readers, a book donation program that supports reading incentive programs in schools and nonprofits. Throughout the school year, students of all ages are encouraged to read more then recognized when they reach reading goals set by their media specialists and teachers by earning the opportunity to choose a new book to take home and keep, courtesy of K is for Kids.
At the end of the school year, K is for Kids helps schools recognize their “top” readers with book awards. Golden Terrace Elementary Intermediate is the first of 28 schools to receive K is for Kids’ 2015 Top Reader Book Awards for their young honorees.
Thank to Michael and Dolphin Transportation, the lucky eleven students arrived at the Waterside Shops in Naples, safe and sound.
Hungry readers turn into happy readers: Ask any of these high high achieving readers if they’d rather have an eBook or a traditional book and the answer is a resounding “Real book!” Why? The replies will vary, but surprisingly, many love the smell! Each student had $20 to spend on new books, and with Barnes & Noble’s 20% nonprofit discount (the kids practiced their math skills, too) the kids got to choose how many paperbacks or hardcovers they would choose with their $25.
The Top Readers Book Awards field trip began with a tour of California Pizza Kitchen. Appetites were amplified after walking through the refrigerator, freezer and food pantry!
Who doesn’t love choosing their pizza toppings? The crew at California Pizza Kitchen stepped the young honorees through the makings of their famous pizza.
A walk through the food pantry inspired wide eyes, grumbling tummies, and big smiles.
The last group photo before the top readers go to their next field trip stop. Standing: Rich and Jose’, CPK “tour guides”.
Happily fed, thanks to California Pizza Kitchen!
GTES-Intermediate Media Specialist Tiffany “T.J.” Weeks and Carol Tague, local parent and K is for Kids’ “best helper” wear smiles as big as the kids’ as they head out the door at CPK.
They say a picture is worth a thousands words and we agree, but “Happy!” has to be what tops the list as this young honoree departs CPK.
“Who wants ice cream?” Mrs. Weeks asked.
The Top Readers field trip included a visit to Haagen Dazs!
Tempting, but K is for Kids Founder and (volunteer) Executive Director Karen Clawson and T.J. declined the treats, happy to watch the awardees fun.
Choose the perfect flavor was a serious consideration.
A quiet moment.
This young award recipient didn’t wait to open his new book.