KWHS kicks off Literacy Week

By CHRISTINA TONG

Konk Life Student Writer

Reading and books have long been broadcasted as magical, a way to dream with open eyes. This is perhaps why so many people find reading to be so enjoyable.

Key West High School (KWHS) Media Specialist Sarah Smith is hoping to spread that joy and inspire students to become readers with Literacy Week, a state-wide event focused on celebrating books and encouraging students to read, that runs January 22-26. All schools in Florida are encouraged to participate, but Monroe County has taken Literacy Week a step further. “It’s a really big deal here in Monroe County,” informs Smith. She had activities planned for each day, including ongoing ones throughout the week.

Monday, classes visited the KWHS media center to create “book spine poetry” and go on “blind dates” with books.

Tuesday was similar, except every class stopped and read during fourth period. The goal was to tally up minutes spent reading by the entire Monroe County District and break last year’s record.

Wednesday focused on the school’s Follett eBook library. “I’m explained how to check out eBooks for students who were interested in reading a book on their phones,” elaborated Smith. Also on that day, students dressed up as their favorite book character for a chance to win a raffle and a gift card.

Thursday featured a scavenger hunt in the KWHS media center to help people learn how it’s organized.

On Friday, School Superintendent Mark Porter spoke up to encourage students to be readers.

A Book Drive was also held all week long. People may drop off new or lightly used books at the front office or school library, providing for teachers and classrooms at KWHS.

A Mystery Book of the Day competition was held each day, as well as Kahoot Trivia in the library during lunchtime; winners left with gift cards to places such as Starbucks and Amazon.

Smith explained the aim of Literacy Week is to help avid readers explore new books and genres, and to remind all students how fun and beneficial reading can be although literacy is promoted all year long.

 

PHOTO BY CHRISTINA TONG

(Left to right) Haley Carattini, Iain Wilcox, and Becca Maun look forward to Literacy Week at the Key West High School library January 22-26.

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