Holladay: Reading for a good cause
St. Vincent de Paul students tear through books to help out those in need
By Tabatha Deans, Close-Up Staff, Salt Lake Tribune (January 11, 2007)

Seventh-grade students at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic School take the school's theme "committed to community" seriously. Through November and December, the 30 youngsters read 110 books as part of the ClassroomsCare Program through Scholastic Book Clubs. Because of the students' dedication to reading through the challenge, Scholastic Book Clubs will donate 100 books to children in need.

Students began the program, which is designed to empower students to read and make a difference, in November, and had exceeded their goal of reading 100 books before Dec. 21 - more than a week ahead of their scheduled goal date of Dec. 31.

Teacher Deborah Ferree, who challenged the students to enter the program, said the class decided collectively to enter the challenge - not only to experience the joy of reading, but because it also gave them the opportunity to help students who are less fortunate. "We sent letters to parents letting them know about the challenge, and that for the month students might receive a little less homework, so they could have time to read at home," said Ferree.

Students had to read books that were on their reading level, then update their progress on a reading chart with colored markers. Students read nightly and on weekends, and averaged two or more books each. "We read like mad," said Ferree. "They were thrilled to update the chart."

Ferree did assign each student the task of reading Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol. Aside from the one assignment, students were free to read any book at their levels. Once the students reached their goals, they celebrated with a party at school and wore Santa hats to represent their spirit of giving.

Ferree said the response was overwhelming, and she believes they learned more than just vocabulary and reading skills. "I think part of the motivation was knowing they were doing something for other students," she said.

Jed Bennett, director of marketing for Scholastic Book Clubs, said the ClassroomsCare program was created six years ago to empower students to make a difference by reading, and 2006 was one of the most successful years to date. "This year has been unbelievable for ClassroomsCare." Said Bennett. "We do the easy part: We donate the books. The students are the ones who are making a difference."

ClassroomsCare, a national program sponsored by Scholastic Book Clubs, donates up to 1 million books to under-resourced schools and communities.

tdeans@sltrib.com