Brandywine Elementary’s  theme for “March is Reading Month” was “Connect with a Good Book.” The month involved special guest readers, a poster contest and a “Reading Idol” contest. Students kept track of their time by hanging a ring on a chain for every hour read. As the month ended, the halls were festooned with chains connecting all the classrooms.
Special readers included Sgt. Kelly Laesch from the Berrien County Sheriff’s Department, Aaron Bucha, former student and officer with the United States  District Court of Northern District of Indiana; Sgt. Williams of the Untied States Marines; Cindi Clawson of WNDU TV; sports reporter Allison Hayes from Fox 28 news; and Sharon Tyler, Michigan representative from southwestern Michigan.
New to reading month was a special program called “Reading Idol,” designed by reading specialist Debbie Carew. Students were given the opportunity to read selected poetry and be judged on fluency, expression and presentation. Students were judged at their grade level by the same reading model. From that winners from each room and grade level were determined.
On Wednesday afternoon the students at elementary met in the gym for award presentations.
“Idol” winners were: third grade, Megan Schmidt; fourth grade, Cayla Phillips; fifth grade, Dylan Tibbs; and sixth grade, Kimberly Cantu.
Reading winners were Gwen Schimmel from third grade with 1,347 minutes; Jaida Wilbert from fourth grade with 3,911 minutes; Christopher Alstott from fifth grade with 3060 minutes; and Shawn Miller from sixth grade with 5,820 minutes. Overall Highpoint Reader was Shawn Miller.
All students were presented with a new book to celebrate the end of “March Is Reading Month.”
Brandywine Elementary challenges everyone to connect with a good book.