Programs

Students in grades 4 and 5 are encouraged to read the Mark Twain nominated books. Each 4th and 5th grade classroom is equipped with a paperback set of the nominees. Students who read at least four of the nominees are invited to the coveted "voting party". Additionally any student who reads all 12 books is awarded $20 to spend on a field trip to Neighborhood Reads, a local bookstore. 

Learn more about the Mark Twain nominated books here.

Students in grades 1-3 participate in the annual "Show Me Reader Week".  During this week students are read the 10 nominated picture books in specials classes, in their classroom and library. They are fully immersed in activities associated with each book and then vote on their favorite. Students get excited for "election day" and take the process very seriously

Learn more about the Show Me Reader nominations here.

The Building Block Books are read to pre-school and kindergarten students each year through the course of 10 weeks. Each book has an accompanying activity and take home project. Students then learn about the voting process and submit their own "ballot." 

Learn more about the Building Block Books here.

Central Elementary Students and their families have an opportunity to shop at one of three book fairs throughout the year: Fall (in conjunction with parent teacher conferences and Fall festival), Winter (at the  Donuts with Santa event) and in the Spring (in conjunction with Family Literacy/Fine Arts night). All proceeds from these fair go directly back to students by purchasing books for the birthday book cart, playground Little Free Library,  classroom libraries and the school library. 

The Birthday Book Cart provides books to every single student at Central Elementary on their birthday! (or half birthday if it falls in the summer). These top notch titles are provided from the proceeds of the annual book fairs. 

Read Across America is a week long celebration of authors and illustrators who bring us joy! Teachers receive a packet of suggested activities and books that accompany the theme. This annual celebration is held the first week of March. This kicks off a month long celebration with books and takes us into March Madness!

During the month of March the entire building participates in March Madness: A Tournament of Books. Teachers have two weeks to read or review books ranging from Caldecott Winners to Show Me nominees. After submitting weekly votes a champion is chosen by the end of March. 

During Spring break the Central Elementary student body and their families can participate in a community wide book hunt! 25 books are hidden throughout the community and the clues are posted on the school's website and FB page. The students then keep the books they found and are encouraged to join the LMS at the local library to kick off their Spring Break. 

Central Elementary encourages readers of all ages! Each family receives a reading packet at kindergarten registration.  This packet includes a book to keep, a reading log from  the local library, reading guides to enhance language skills during reading and a bookmark welcoming them to the school. 

Central Elementary tries to provide at least one author visit for our students each year. Check out some of our incredible visits: 

Ed Wheatley (Fall 2022)

Jess Townes (Winter 2023)