Mantua – Earlier this month, students at Crestwood Middle School were greeted in the morning with upbeat rock music, donned “rock-themed” attire and enjoyed a rock concert, all in an effort to encourage students to read. “Read like a Rock Star,” was the theme for this year’s Right to Read Week, a week promoted annually by the Ohio Council, International Reading Association (OCIRA) to stress the importance of reading in our society. According to OCIRA, fostering a lifelong love of reading is an important goal and is essential for success in many subject areas.The “Read Like a Rockstar” theme was developed by a committee of middle school teachers who promoted daily sustained silent reading, along with other activities including studying the history of rock and roll on the Internet, and a “Music and Lyrics” poetry contest. Entries were judged on creativity and musicality. Winners of the contest were: 6th grade, Ashley Prater; 7th grade, Cate McSwain, and 8th grade, Cameron Moodie.Getting into the spirit of the week, students and staff were encouraged to dress up to match “Rock ‘N Roll” themes like “Reading Makes You Bright,” when all were allowed to wear “shades” for the day. There also were daily announcements with music, a D.J., and a Rock Trivia Contest. All trivia contest winners received “book bucks” to be used at the Spring Scholastic Book Fair the following week. The week ended with a concert provided by the local classic rock band – “Led It Be.”“What a great “Right to Read” week the students and teachers had,” said Principal Julie Schmidt. “They had many opportunities to read their choice of literature, as well as express themselves through themed days. The rock concert was a great culminating activity where students were able to listen and dance to the various genres of Rock and Roll they learned about during the week. Thanks to the teachers who organized the week, and to the students who made the week so fun, with their energetic participation.”
