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Fulton Students Win County Titles at Battle of the Books; Schools Report Growing Participation
Summary
Students from Fulton schools, including Volney Elementary, won district and county Battle of the Books competitions. Staff said participation has increased despite regional declines in reading metrics, and students described teamwork and enjoyment.
Students from Fulton schools were recognized at the board meeting for wins in the countywide Battle of the Books competition, and district staff said participation has increased this year.
Liz Sutter, principal at Volney Elementary, introduced Fulton teams that competed at building, district and county levels. Staff said Fulton fielded teams from several buildings and that three Fulton teams won countywide competitions after advancing through building and district rounds.
Students from first through high school grades described their experiences. First‑grade participant Lillian Hartgraff said she enjoyed meeting her team and winning; Stella Marquez, a competitor, said practicing with teammates and the teamwork were her favorite parts. Older students, including Andrew Becker and Thomas Wood, said the competition introduced them to new books and authors they plan to read again.
District staff provided participation counts for building competitions: nine teams in fifth‑ and sixth‑grade battle, 11 teams in third‑ and fourth‑grade, and 10 teams in the first‑and‑second‑grade competition — more than 30 teams districtwide. Staff said some teams meet outside school hours and rely on teachers, teaching assistants, aides, office staff and parent volunteers to coach.
Board members praised students and staff, noting the competition supports reading, teamwork and research skills. Staff said the Battle of the Books selection process involved a county librarian panel and teacher input via surveys to choose the book lists.
The district livestreamed the event and staff said they plan to continue promoting the program as a way to increase reading engagement among students.
