From left, Ralph the Reader and Ricky the Roadrunner pose with LAOLA Principal Kati Steinberg, Los Alamos Public Schools Superintendent Jennifer Guy and Chamisa Elementary Principal Craig Washnok. Courtesy/LAPS
Ralph the Reader and Ricky the Roadrunner speak with Los Alamos Online Learning Academy students who attended the assembly via Zoom. Courtesy/LAPS
LAPS News:
Ralph the Reader and Ricky the Roadrunner paid a visit to students at Chamisa Elementary School and the Los Alamos Online Learning Academy (LAOLA) to kick off the “Level UP New Mexico” reading challenge.
Chamisa/LAOLA is one of 64 schools named by the New Mexico Public Education Department as a Structured Literacy Support School. This means that they are establishing a foundation and culture of structured literacy practices in their schools.
Severo Martinez, aka Ralph the Reader, author of “This is New Mexico/Esto Es Nuevo Mexico” and director of NM PED’s Literacy and Humanities Bureau, read the story to students and challenged them to “level up” their reading over the school year. LAOLA students also attended the assembly via Zoom. Each student receives a copy of the book to start the challenge.
According to Martinez, “The primary purpose of this book is to inspire every student to embrace the superhero within themselves and become avid readers.” The book highlights popular landmarks, towns, pueblos and cities in New Mexico.
As students meet their reading challenges, they receive prizes including the Ralph the Reader and Ricky the Roadrunner figures, a bookmark and a cape. For every 10 books students read, students will get a free McDonalds Happy Meal, too. Students who complete the challenge will be eligible to win a bike, have their photo on a billboard, and be recognized on television.
“We are very excited to have this program in our district,” Superintendent Jennifer Guy said. “What a great opportunity to celebrate reading!”
Ralph the Reader and Ricky the Roadrunner encouraged students at Chamisa Elementary School and the Los Alamos Online Learning Academy to be Superhero Readers. Courtesy/LAPS