2008-09 News and Features

Book Break Challenge brings surprising rewards to students at East Pikeland Elementary

by Laura Fasy

At East Pikeland Elementary today, students received more than they had anticipated with a visit from Hip-Hop and the Hare Raisers! After completing the 76ers Book Break Challenge of reading 760 pages within a two-month time period, students were entertained by Hip-Hop and the Hare Raisers with an assembly advocating the enjoyment of reading.

The small auditorium erupted in cheers from the elementary students as Hip-Hop bounced around the room, shooting confetti to get the crowd excited about reading. Two volunteers from the audience read a story to the captivate the students as Hip-Hop amused everyone by acting out the events in the book. The volunteers walked away with additional prizes of Sixers t-shirts and jerseys, further electrifying the young crowd.

The Book Break Challenge proved to be an effective program for the school.

"Parents in the community loved the Book Break Challenge and were especially thrilled about the Sixers game tickets the students received for completing the challenge,” said Reading Specialist Maureen Bierhoff. “One Friday night the kids all went to a game together and had a ball!"

The enjoyment of reading and the use of imagination was a theme that ran throughout the assembly. Students at East Pikeland Elementary are excited to participate in the Sixers Book Break Challenge next season!

The Sixers Book Break Challenge is sponsored by DeVry University and New Jersey Education Association (NJEA).