For months, students at Fisher-Mitchell School have been reading teacherapproved books independently through a Masons-sponsored program called “Bikes for Books.”
Solar Star Lodge 14 of Bath offered plenty of motivation, providing 24 brand-new bicycles and helmets to students who completed the required reading and were lucky enough to have their names drawn in a lottery.
With much fanfare, teachers drew the names of the 24 winning students during a school assembly on Monday.
“Basically, the Masons are encouraging independent readers,” Principal Nancy Harriman said. “All students who participated will get a certificate.”
According to the guidelines of the “Bikes for Books” program, wach student who completed a book filled out a slip and submitted it to the appropriate boys’ or girls’ bucket.
Third-grade students needed 20 minutes of sustained reading in class, and then had a bonus opportunity to earn two more book slips if they did sustained reading and reflection at home during the week.
In fourth grade, students earned slips for every 30 minutes of reading, which could be at home or at school.
Fifth-graders read for 20 minutes during a block each day. They also were encouraged to read at home.
Joy Shaw, parent of fourthgrader Brogan Shaw, shared her child’s enthusiasm.
“I just wanted to tell you how excited Brogan was about the new bike and helmet he won in the Books for Bikes program,” Shaw told Harriman. “What a great idea. I know he sure was a happy camper and I am sure the other children were, as well.”
Third-grader Trevor Hanna said he probably read 10 books during the monthlong program.
Books for Bikes winners:
Third grade: Emma Whidden, Nathan DeMerchant, Isaac Becker, Madalynn Vaine, Julia Lucas, Trevor Hanna, Olivia Chabot, Isaac Marquis.
Fourth grade: Ty Knowlton, Ilana Sinclair, Jasmyn Hildebrandt, Isaak Sinclair, Katelyn Anderson, Brogan Shaw, Keonna Moore, Robin Hale Krull.
Fifth grade: Hannah Goodman, Kensly Brookhouse, Deja Douglas, Thomas Haggett, Lorelei Pryor, Logan Pelletier, Sydney Johnson, Corey Larmon.
Comments are not available on this story. Read more about why we allow commenting on some stories and not on others.
We believe it's important to offer commenting on certain stories as a benefit to our readers. At its best, our comments sections can be a productive platform for readers to engage with our journalism, offer thoughts on coverage and issues, and drive conversation in a respectful, solutions-based way. It's a form of open discourse that can be useful to our community, public officials, journalists and others.
We do not enable comments on everything — exceptions include most crime stories, and coverage involving personal tragedy or sensitive issues that invite personal attacks instead of thoughtful discussion.
You can read more here about our commenting policy and terms of use. More information is also found on our FAQs.
Show less