Students at Chestnut Log Middle School wrapped up December with two special events 
celebrating their reading achievements and fostering a love of literacy.
The school's media center hosted a "Sip & Read" celebration where students were recognized for meeting their reading goals. Selected students enjoyed hot cocoa and cookies while exploring new books during their lunch break. Parents joined the festivities as students received wrapped books as gifts for their genre and Lexile gains in ELA classes.
"The Sip and Read was so fun. We got to sit and read while enjoying hot cocoa and cookies," said seventh-grader Jaydrain Lagares. Fellow seventh-grader Serenity Leatherwood added that the surprise of unwrapping their books made the event especially memorable.
Media Specialist April Olorunfemi and Media Clerk Makayla Tolbert organized the event in collaboration with ELA teachers. Sixth-grade teacher Charrhonda Walthour noted that the calm, inviting environment created the perfect atmosphere for students to enjoy reading.
The literacy celebration continued in eighth-grade classrooms, where teacher Catrice Shivers hosted a "Book Tasting" event featuring new additions to her classroom library. Students sampled James Patterson novels while enjoying refreshments. The books were acquired through a Donors Choose project supported by local residents Eileen and Fritz Loschky.
"I really enjoy exposing students to literature that reflects who they are and their communities," said Shivers. Chestnut Log Middle School leaders say events like these are part of ongoing efforts to encourage reading engagement and celebrate student achievement in literacy.