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Battle of the Books champions celebrated; superintendent highlights district achievements and events
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Summary
Superintendent Dr. Ryan highlighted teacher and student honors, upcoming arts and testing dates, and a Battle of the Books presentation recognized student teams and coaches, noting 958 eligible students and about 53% participation.
Superintendent Dr. Ryan opened the meeting’s discussion by highlighting local accomplishments and upcoming events before the board paused to recognize students who won the district’s Battle of the Books championship.
Dr. Ryan praised sixth-grade science teacher Kelly Catterall for being selected from a competitive pool to participate in a shipboard science immersion aboard the research vessel Lake Guardian. He also announced that Avery Fisher received a National Junior Honor Society Outstanding Achievement Award and encouraged the community to attend district events including the districtwide art show (April 20–May 7), the CHS drama production "Whistle Stop" in April and International Night on April 30 from 5–8 p.m. He also reminded the community that state testing (M-STEP, SAT) was underway.
At the Battle of the Books presentation, the program presenter (a librarian who works with the CIDL and Springfield Township Library) described the program for fourth- and fifth-grade students: teams of three to five students read seven selected books, participate in building-level competitions and advance to a championship. The presenter reported 958 eligible students and roughly 53% participation this year. Community partners — including public libraries, friends-of-the-library groups and local businesses such as Peppermint Village — help provide prizes and support.
Student page puncters from Independence Elementary introduced themselves (Charles Landry, Joseph Landry, Sterling Pereira and Alexander Norman) and the presenter handed the championship trophy to the winning team. A coach in attendance recounted coaching the same students in prior years and described the program as creating lasting memories. The presenter closed with an emphasis on literacy and the program’s broader goal: "If there's just 1 child that walks away with reading, picking up any book for pleasure, after battle, that's a success for me." (Presenter)
Board members asked procedural questions about eligibility and how teams are formed; the presenter explained teams are formed by student choice, students must be in fourth or fifth grade, and coaches/media techs assist when a team lacks a coach. The board invited the championship students forward to be recognized and presented them with a small gift.
The presentation underscored district efforts to support literacy, community partnerships and student engagement in extracurricular programs. The board then moved on to the meeting’s action items.
The next board meeting is scheduled for Monday, April 27 at 5:00 p.m., with a continued workshop on district core values.
