From Chocowinity Primary School

Although summer gives Chocowinity Primary School students a break from the classroom routine, books and the love of reading are still important components of their vacation plans.

Events held near the end of the 2014-2015 school year, as well as special activities this summer, have helped to keep CPS students in the learning groove.

“Chocowinity Primary strives for excellence by constantly rewarding students for achievement,” said Reading Recovery teacher Lauren Buck.

Buck and co-teacher Lisa Silva host a “Literacy Celebration” at the end of each school year to recognize first graders who have shown exceptional growth. Early intervention programs are key to student success, according to Buck.

“Most of these students have averaged reading text level gains of seven to 10 levels in just one year,” she said. “These students have faced more of a challenge in literacy and worked extremely hard.”

During the celebration, students enjoyed ice cream treats and juice. Each also received a bag full of goodies, including a certificate of achievement, books, pencils and candy.

“Each student also receives a pin to display on their CPS lanyard that can only be earned through our literacy program,” Buck continued. “At CPS, we believe students deserve to be rewarded for their success and this is just one way of showcasing our wonderful readers while inspiring them to keep up the great work!”

Another end-of-the-year tradition at CPS is the school’s book exchange; students may bring in gently used books and receive a credit voucher. For every book they turn in they may choose another one, thus ensuring them of a good selection of “new” reading material for the summer.

Reading specialist Paula Cox, who launched the book exchange a few years ago, also joined forces with CPS librarian Summer Dail to offer students yet another opportunity to spread their literary wings. A summer book club, offered for rising third and fourth graders, met weekly for one hour at the school in June and July.

And to make sure that each and every CPS student had plenty of opportunities to read during their summer vacation, the school’s library was open for two hours each Wednesday morning. Teachers and teacher assistants offered to give up some of their own vacation time in order that the young readers maintained a steady supply of books.