HES RIF
by Janet Prochaska
January 16, 2012
RIF (Reading is Fundamental) has been a big event at HES library for many years. Three times during the school year, this government program, in cooperation with organizations from our community, has allowed students to choose a free book to keep.
Our community made donations to cover a portion of the expense with the government covering the majority. RIF day has always been a celebration. In December, our theme for RIF was "Reading Makes Me Sing." Mrs. Kleopfer and the HHS choir came to the elementary school, first singing "winter songs," then reading to the elementary students.
This day is a group effort for our students. The "special teachers" (Mr. Nichols, Mrs. Diller, Mr. Jones, Mrs. Smith, and Mrs.Olsen) join in to help the day run smoothly. Introductions, stamping books with RIF, sorting books, setting them out for student choices, and keeping the groups moving and on time, contribute greatly to a day of fun.
Some of the themes of the past few years include "Reading Is Magic," with the students entertained with magic tricks from Katie Miller. Guest reader Marcia Schwartz is a local author who read her newly published book "Lobo Stew." Mrs. Beebe organized a Native American theme. Mr. Diller, Mr. Fitz, and Mr. Gaddis have been a tremendous help in organizing student athletes to come and read for themes such as, "Kick Off the Year With a Good Book," and "Keep Your Mind and Body Fit, Exercise, and Read."
Through snow, schedule changes, and even the flu, the parents are always willing to come in and read. I, as well as the students, humbly thank every one for their donations of time, money, help, and all of the support for these past years.
This program has been cut like so many other government funded programs. This is the last school year for RIF. I hate to see it end.
