Kevin Reads 1,000 Books and Receives Congratulations

RCSD Board of Education Celebrates An Outstanding Reader in "The Thousand Book" Program

"THE THOUSAND BOOK READING PROGRAM" sponsored by the Mid-East Suffolk Teacher Center (MESTRACT) is a collaborative effort with the Riverhead Free Library with support from the Riverhead Central Faculty Association (RCFA) and the Board of Education.  A thousand books, targeting ages 3-7, were purchased through MESTRACT. One hundred book bags with ten books each are made available for check out at the library. About 30% of the books are in both English and Spanish.

“The goal of the program is to improve the vocabularies of children with the hope of closing the gap that exists before and after students start their schooling,” explains Martha Kennelly, the Director of MESTRACT. "When our young readers reach the 1,000 book mark, we invite them to a Board of Education meeting to celebrate that achievement with them. Kevin is this year's recipient!"

An enthusiastic reader, Kevin, who will be in 3rd grade at the Phillips Avenue Elementary School, completed reading all 1,000 books in June. Kevin was given a certificate of recognition and congratulations from the Board of Education members for his efforts.

Kevin, who, when he isn't reading, likes to play soccer, ride his bike, and watch TV. He noted that his sister, Naomi, was his reading partner. His mom, Lydia, was also credited with reading to him and his sister before bed every night. The "Thousand Books" program promotes partnerships to foster reading both at home and in the classroom so it becomes part of the daily routine.

Both Kevin and his little sister, Naomi, were awarded books from the RCFA. Kevin's chosen book was entitled "Friends" and featured friends in the animal kingdom. He also received a book bag. Naomi was given a big reader written in Spanish that will travel with her in the fall to her Phillips Avenue Pre-K classroom.

"I love going to the library," noted Kevin. "We go almost every day, and I always run right to the new books section to see what they've gotten in. My favorite book was about a Ninja Lego guy, but I also like books about science and plants. One of the books I read from the book bags was about the importance of family. That was a good book, too."

Interested in this program? Go to the Riverhead Free Library and check it out for yourself.