Principal Kathryn Vandenkieboom with New Mexico Secretary of Education Hanna Skandera who is reading to students in the library this morning at Aspen Elementary School. Photo by Carol A. Clark/ladailypost.com

Aspen students ask questions this morning of New Mexico Secretary of Education Hanna Skandera in the school library. Photo by Carol A. Clark/ladailypost.com

Staff Report:

New Mexico Secretary of Education Hanna Skandera visited students and staff at Aspen Elementary School this morning to congratulate them on the school being listed in the 2016 Scholastic Book of World Record.

The students logged more than 22,300 reading minutes last summer, earning Aspen the title as the number one New Mexico school in the Scholastic Reading Challenge. The school will be listed in the 2016 Scholastic Book of World Record.

Skandera joined Superindent Dr. Kurt Steinhaus, Principal Kathryn Vandenkieboom and Librarian Jeffery Lloyd in the school library for a celebration and to read books with the students. 

Steinhaus explained that Vandenkieboom and Lloyd knew students would get excited if offered the chance to “read for a world record” and registered all Aspen students for the challenge.

“Congratulations Tigers! Your parents, teachers, and the school district are proud of your accomplishment. Aspen Tigers are amazing readers! Keep up the good work and read everyday,” he said in a statement.

Skandera is encouraging students to participate in the New Mexico True Summer Reading Challenge to keep students engaged during the break and allow them to compete. Gov. Susana Martinez recently announced the challenge using prizes to motivate students into reading. The challenge is open to all New Mexico elementary school children ages 5 to 12.

Students who submit a completed log showing that they read six books will receive a New Mexico True bookmark and a certificate. Those who read 12 or more books and submit a short essay explaining why they love New Mexico will receive a New Mexico True bookmark, a certificate, and will have their name entered in the random drawing for an all-expense-paid trip to Walt Disney’s Animal Kingdom in Orlando, Fla.

For complete details about the program and to sign up, click here.

From left, LAPS Superintendent of Schools Dr. Kurt Steinhaus, Aspen School  Principal Kathryn Vandenkieboom and New Mexico Secretary of Education Hanna Skandera in the library this morning at Aspen Elementary School. Photo by Carol A. Clark/ladailypost.com

From left, Aspen Librarian Jeffery Lloyd, Superintendent Dr. Kurt Steinhaus and Principal Kathryn Vandenkieboom this morning in the library at Aspen Elementary School. Photo by Carol A. Clark/ladailypost.com