Happy Memorial Day

From R. L. Young!

Summer Reading Challenge

Dear Parent or Guardian,

I hope this letter ­ finds you well. In an effort to keep all of our students reading at-level over the summer months – I am happy to announce that we have a new program that will help us achieve this goal. For students to reach their full potential, they need a strong foundation in reading and writing. Reading outside of the classroom is critical for maintaining and expanding a child’s literacy skills especially over the extended summer break. In fact, research suggests that students should spend a minimum of 20 minutes a day reading outside of the classroom.

I’m pleased to announce the launch of our new Summer Reading Program. The goals of this program are simple:

• Encourage students to become lifelong readers

• Teach students how to think critically about what they’re reading

• Connect students and families with the local library

• Expose students to different types of authors and characters 

Students need to log their reading (books, newspaper, magazines, cereal boxes, signs, etc.). Each student who logs 10 hours or more of reading will be rewarded with a Popsicle party in August. I will also recognize my top three readers with a goody bag and provide a McDonald's lunch in the library. If you need a log stop by the school office this summer. 

 “Readers Today, Leaders Tomorrow!”

Sincerely,

Andrea Taylor

Raymond L. Young Library Media Specialist

How to Raise a Reader

Ten tips for getting your kids hooked on books -- ebooks or the paper kind.

Regan McMahon 5/1/2015

Kids become lifelong readers for all kinds of reasons. Sometimes there's one key book that captures a kid's imagination and opens him or her up to the exciting world of fiction. Other times, a teacher who assigns great books in class sparks a hunger for more big ideas and fine writing. In some cases, parents influence kids' appreciation of books by sharing their own love of literature and modeling reader behavior -- always having a book to read, taking books on vacation, reading before bedtime, making regular trips to the library and bookstore, etc.

Here are our best tips for nurturing a love of reading that can last a lifetime:

Read aloud: This comes naturally to lots of new parents, but it's important to keep it up. Kids will enjoy it longer than you think. When reading to babies, toddlers, preschoolers, and kids in early grade school, it's wonderful to have a kid on your lap, snuggled next to you on the couch, or drifting off to sleep in bed as you enjoy picture books together. You may have to read your kid's favorite a hundred times, but just go with it. Your kid will remember the closeness as well as the story. And try nonfiction for those who are curious about pirates, Vikings, robots, castles, history, sports, biography, animals, whatever. For second through fifth graders, read those rich and meaty books that might be missed otherwise, maybe classics like Treasure Island or Alice's Adventures in Wonderland.

Many parents think that as soon as their kids learn to read on their own, they no longer need to be read to. But kids still love it and benefit from it as they hear the rhythm of the language, learn correct pronunciation, and get to relax and just take it all in. Kids will get the idea that there's something worthwhile in books and that there's something special about time spent with a parent.

Savor the series: It's common for kids to become book lovers for life after getting hooked on a series. And there are lots of good ones that keep kids hungry for the next installment. Some reliable prospects: Ivy and Bean, Judy Moody for beginning readers; Harry Potter, A Series of Unfortunate Events, and the Percy Jackson series for middle graders; and Hunger Games,Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants, and Twilight (unless you think vampires are too creepy) for older kids.

Grab onto a genre: Kids go through phases of genres they're passionate about, from girl detectives to science fiction and fantasy. Don't get hung up on whether it's considered great literature (although some genre books are). Be happy that your kid is devouring books one after the other. 

Feed the favorite-author addiction: Once your kids finds a writer they love, they may want to read all of his or her books -- a great excuse for a trip to the library or an opportunity for book swapping among friends and classmates. Here are some good bets for favorites. Younger kids: Dav Pilkey (The Adventures of Captain Underpants), Beverly Cleary (Beezus and Ramona). Middle grade: Kate DiCamillo (Because of Winn-Dixie), Neil Gaiman (The Graveyard Book). Tweens and teens: Judy Blume (Are You There God, It's Me Margaret) and Sarah Dessen (Just Listen). 

Count on the Classics: Books are called classics because they continue to engage readers generation after generation. There are no guarantees, but you could try introducing your kids to books you loved as a kid and see which ones click. Some good ones to try are the Dr. Seuss andNarnia books, Charlotte's Web, and The Secret Garden. Check out our Classic Books for Kidslist to find more. 

Find Books About the Things Your Kid Loves: If your kid adores horses, try Black Beauty or any of the titles on our list of best Horse Books. If he's wild about cars, trucks and trains, check out our list of Vehicle Books. Librarians, booksellers, and Internet searches will help you find books on any favorite topic.

Funny Is Fine: Some parents wrestle with letting their kids read Captain Underpants, Diary of a Wimpy Kid, and other edgy humor books about kids getting in trouble. Talk to your kids about the content, but keep in mind that kids like these books not because they want to imitate the characters' actions but because they can live vicariously through their bad behavior. Humor is a great pathway to book loving.

Comics Are OK: Graphic novels are among the hottest trends in children's publishing, and they can get kids hooked on reading. Kids may start with Squish and Babymouse and move on to Diary of a Wimpy Kid. But these series can also lead to more sophisticated fare such as Marzi andAmerican Born Chinese. Find other titles in our list of best Graphic Novels.  

Engage with ebooks: Kids can cuddle up with a Kindle, Nook, or iPad before naptime or bedtime. Some recent studies say more than half of U.S. kids are reading digital books at least once a week. The electronic format has proved to be especially engaging for boys and reluctant readers, and you can download or access many books on an ereader, which make it a great choice for air travel and car rides.

But note that some studies show that book apps and interactive “enhanced” ebooks, while fun, can be distracting and inhibit reading comprehension. So to promote reading skills and encourage your kid to be a frequent reader, you might want to stick with ebooks that have the look of a bound paper book. Some even have animation that mimics turning the pages.

Make Reading a Family Value: Actions speak louder than words. Take your kids to the library once a week or once a month to get new books, make regular outings to your local bookstore, hunt for low-cost books at used bookstores or second-hand shops, and show kids that finding a good book is like a treasure hunt.

Fit reading into your family lifestyle. Set aside time for reading only -- turning off the TV, computer, and cell phone. Encourage focused reading time, either for independent reading or reading aloud. Take preschoolers to story time hours at libraries and bookstores. For older kids, a parent-kid book club can be fun. Read to kids at bedtime. Provide time and space for your kids to read for pleasure in the car (if they don't get car sick!), on vacation, after homework is done, on their own before bed. Warning: It could be habit-forming!

We LOVE the Maintenance Department!

 

Our school buildings are in tip top shape due in part to a wonderful group of men called the Maintenance Department. They are quick, friendly, and do a super job with just about anything that needs fixing. Sometimes they help with the beautification of the school. 

How blessed we are as a school and district to have talented, knowledgeable men dedicated to making our system room smoothly. This makes it easier for teachers , staff, and principals to focus on the learning! Thanks for all you have done this year and will do during the summer months. 

WE SALUTE YOU!!

Supervisor - Wayne Mitchell

Jerome Jackson

Hal Davidson

Jeremy Taylor

Lavelle Mowery

Wayne Bones

May Good Citizens 2015

The last Good Citizen Luncheon occurred this week and I enjoyed eating with these fine students.

4th graders: Hero M. and Cadence A., 5th graders: Nyhira G. and Tanner T.

6th Graders: Nealie W. and Bryer B.

2nd Graders: Kenady A. and Bayley R., 3rd Graders: Alix G. and Connor R.

Kindergarten: Maddie G. and Alexis K. (absent), 1st Grade: Joshua L. and Trevion H.

Moving Up Day 2015

It's scary going to a new grade, but at R. L. Young we are making it fun by doing a Move Up Day. Students got to visit the next grade to take a look around and ease some fears before the new year starts. The teachers were excited to see new faces. Parents, don't forget to ask your child what they saw and what they think.

You may be wondering about sixth graders? Well, they visited kindergarten and watched their graduation video. They shared what they remembered and remininsed about the good ole' times.

UPPER GRADE ACADEMY: Congratulations Sixth Grade Class of 2015

UPPER GRADE ACADEMY: Congratulations Sixth Grade Class of 2015

UPPER GRADE ACADEMY: Sixth Grade Projects

UPPER GRADE ACADEMY: Sixth Grade Projects: Our Sixth Graders did an excellent job with their end of the year projects.  This project was designed to create a uniform classroom identi...

Happy Mother's Day

R. L. Young is blessed with so many wonderful mothers. Enjoy your day! 

The Sun Was Shining...

Forever Field Day was beautifully filled with plenty of sunshine, fun, and laughter! 

Thanks to all who supported the school's event. A special thanks to ZORA ELLIS and THS students who volunteered this time. It was great to see you!

JSU Baseball Youth Camp

The Jacksonville State University Baseball Youth Baseball Camp starts in 25 Days. Our coaching staff would like to invite your child to a Great Baseball Camp Experience here at Jacksonville State!  Attached is our camp Brochure with more details. Please let me know if you have any questions about the camp. Look forward to seeing you June 1st! GO GAMECOCKS!!!! Click Here to Register Online: http://www.jsugamecocksports.com/sports/2015/4/1/BB_0401150211.aspx?path=baseball

We Think You're Just Ducky!

Teachers were surprised with a super hero ducky today! Thanks to kindergarten students Kata and Travis for making the deliveries...

Logo Contest Winners

Congratulations to this year's LOGO CONTEST winners:

1st Abigail Parton

2nd Emi Nabors

3rd Gracie Wood

Thanks to all who participated. The drawings were incredible. The winning design will be featured on the 2015-16 school t-shirt. 

Super Heroes Teach at R. L. Young!

Super heroes can be found all over R. L. Young! A big thanks to PTO for funding the delicious lunches from Cafe Royale. Mrs. Taylor, Ms. Porter, and Mrs. Humphrey decorated. We appreciate the parents/grandparents that made it possible for us to dine together.