Elementary students step up to reading challenge

This fall, students at Voorheesville Elementary School read hundreds of books.

As part of a nationwide challenge sponsored by the children’s book publisher Scholastic, students in each of four classrooms read and reported on 100 books. The effort was part of Scholastic Book Club’s ClassroomsCare program where for every 100 books read by participating classrooms Scholastic donates 100 books to children in need.

"The kids get really excited about it," said Kathleen Wissing, a first grade teacher. "It gives them purpose for reading."

The challenge also gave teachers an opportunity to talk about giving during the holiday season, she added.

Students in Kathleen Wissing, Scott Murray, Nadine Pangburn and Lisa Spina’s classrooms participated in the challenge.