As one would expect from a lover of words whose professional days are spent as a literacy specialist at the Mettawee Community School, Kim Donaldson offers a persuasive argument for literacy. “Blankets and words are both great sources of comfort."
And so began "Blanket Yourself with Words," this year’s theme for the school’s Books and Beyond Ceremony, held on June 13th. Mettawee’s annual book bash honors students for their reading throughout the school year.
“Words and reading are fundamental to life,” said MCS Principal Brooke DeBonis. “They combine to develop your brain and provide a window into the world around you. Reading helps you not only become a better student, but a better person.”
Books and Beyond started back at the start of the school year, when each Mettawee student worked with their teacher to set an individual reading goal to be reached by June. It could be a number of books or types of books, with maybe some added proficiencies thrown in for good measure - like feeling comfortable reading out loud.
As the young readers moved through the year, instructors monitored their progress that was then reviewed at student-led parent/teacher meetings. The idea is to get the students’ whole community involved with the process of reading.
While individual readers pursued their own goals during the year, on the actual day of the Ceremony Mettawee previewed A Flag for Juneteenth by Kim Taylor, that shows and tells the story of a young girl from a Texas plantation who is emancipated on her tenth birthday, June 19,1865, the day slavery ended officially in the United States.
The book’s author also happens to be a master seamstress. So instead of drawings or paintings, Taylor used her artistic skills to make an actual quilt for each page depicted in the colorful picture book. The result, words and quilts (blankets) combine in a story that celebrates freedom.
Taylor sent the Mettawee readers a personal video message, congratulating them on a job well done. And, of course, like all lovers of books, she couldn’t end her message without reminding the students to celebrate the freedom of reading over the summer.
The Books and Beyond Ceremony contained many of the elements of a graduation celebration, but with some notable differences. Instead of one class being honored, all students at the K-6 school were recognized. Rather than a cap and gown, the kids were encouraged to wear tee-shirts that showcased words.
Finally, in lieu of a diploma, every student scored with a customized bag filled with rewards, including a book they had ordered earlier in the year at the annual Book Fair and a colored ribbon for their performance in reaching their goal. Nearly two-thirds - 65% - received a blue ribbon for achieving their mission. There was also a swath of a quilt that symbolized the connection between blankets and words. Oh, and some strawberry gummies, just for fun.
As each class was called to the stage, some spoke poetically and pointedly about their year with words. They were proud of their improved reading. Some pointed out they were reading more challenging chapter books. They loved building their vocabulary by learning new words that they now use in their speaking and writing. Some read stories in Scholastic News and then write about what they read. One individual added a thoughtful call for action, “Use words to help. Not to hurt.”
The gathering felt like a community festival - everyone joined in the jamboree. In the midst of the proceedings, the 5th and 6th grade chorus led the gathering in a “movement break” as everyone stood up to sing and dance to TheFatRat’s song Rise Up!. In a game reminiscent of Wheel of Fortune, the crowd cheered in anticipation as a computer was used to select at random a student from each room for a special prize. As each class marched up on stage to receive their bag of well-earned treasures, they were greeted by robust applause and vocal support from the audience.
Donaldson closed the show, “Celebrate Books and Beyond. And blankets and words. And freedom. Happy reading this summer!”
