The Extreme Read Challenge made the Long Beach Press Telegram’s ”Reader Page!” This article  and picture was submitted by our PTA president, Jeri Lynn Cullison (who has also been a great supporter of this event for all three years). It reads:

The Marshall Academy of Scholars Librarian, Ameelia Ghareeb is surrounded by participating students at the end of the evening when Marshall held its 3rd Annual Extreme Read Challenge on May 26.  Ghareeb, started this as a fun, collaborative event that encourages nothing more than the joy of quietly reading. This year 74 people participated including students, special guests, family members and school staff. Ms. Ghareeb’s signature “brain food” trail mix and lots of healthy snacks were served to keep everyone focused. When the gong chimed at the end of four hours, everyone cheered, prizes were distributed and cake served. This year the Marshall Extreme Readers reached a combined total of 10,860 reading minutes. That is the equivalent of seven and a half days of reading!
Jeri Lynne Cullison
PTA President, Marshall Middle School

Marshall’s 3rd Annual Extreme Read Challenge

This is the third time we’ve done this event, each time more successful than the last. I based the idea off my previous school’s “Read-a-thon, but  we adjusted a ew tings. First, I wanted a collaborative, but not personally competitive event. Nothings adder than being the kid who lost at reading; every reader contributes something to our collective goal. This makes it a much lower-risk event for students try out. 

During the event I make sure the kids are as focused as possible by serving only healthy snacks and a family style dinner. No junk food allowed (until the after party!)  I know it’s super attractive to kids to sip a coke and munch doritos, but we’re not helping anyone concentrate this way. Our PTA brings apples, bananas and grapes, several moms make a huge pile of PB&J, and I have out little cups of my signature  ”brain food” trail mix. We set out huge trays on each table, and  kids can graze while they’re reading. 

We’ll have prizes, donated by teachers ro gathered here and ther during the year (great way to recycle appreciated, but not useful holiday presents–don’t worry, no one will ever know!). At the end of out time we ring a gong and cheer and have cake. . .and enjoy our success together!

Extreme Read Challenge 2009

Have an Extreme Read Challenge at your school 

It may look like a huge event, but it only takes a few people and lots pf peanut butter & jelly  to pull this off. If you can get a couple of PTA parents and one or two teachers, you’re in business. This is a great way to promote literacy as well as your library program (because where else are they going to get all those books to keep them busy for 4 hours!). Invite guests, take pictures, call your local newspapaer. 

We’re looking for sometime to challenge to a “Read-off next year. We can post “team profiles,” set up a webcam to watch each other’s event. . .could be a blast!