Reading program looks to gain momentum in second year

By Hillary Biggs
Correspondent

May 14, 2008 03:40 am

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In an effort to encourage students to pick up at least one book during the summer, Pentucket librarian Rachel Costello instituted the Pentucket Reads Program in the summer of 2007.

Students were encouraged to sign up for a book from the list, which included both fiction and nonfiction titles as well as volumes on history, math, science and English. Each student read a book over the summer and wrote a review about it.

"I am hoping it will become part of Pentucket's culture so that everyone reads without being forced," said Costello.

Besides the obvious benefits of reading to improve literacy skills, students are offered more rewards. The incentive for students to participate is an invitation to an ice cream social where students can discuss their books in September and earn a certificate for 10 bonus points to be used on a class assignment.

Also, students who read and reviewed more than one book were included in a lottery to win gift certificates to places such as Dunkin' Donuts and Barnes and Noble.

Costello describes last year's success with an anecdote about a girl who came to the library in September looking for a book that her friend had read for Pentucket Reads 2007 and recommended. Costello said, "Her friend had told her the book was great. That's success."

"I want to create a buzz about books," she said.

For more information about the program, check out the library Web site at http://www.pentucketrhs.org/library.php.

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The Pentucket foreign language department is hosting an event in the auditorium tonight at 7. The ceremony will honor students who have had special success in their foreign language, as well as induct new members into the Foreign Language National Honors Societies.

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Pentucket Regional High School had 57 students and three staff members who braved the bitter cold and the rain on Sunday, May 4, in the 40th Walk for Hunger. Together the group raised almost $3,000 for Project Bread, which will help feed the hungry people of Massachusetts.

Hillary Biggs is a senior at Pentucket Regional High School.