BOOK WINNER — Students at Stanton Elementary School, including third-grader Ryan Taylor, took part in Edison’s summer math and reading challenge in order to remain sharp during time away from school. Approximately two-dozen students in grades kindergarten through fifth participated in each program. Taylor was named the winner of a new book after completing the Stanton Avenger Math Summer Challenge. -- Contributed

HAMMONDSVILLE — Students at Stanton Elementary School maintained their knowledge throughout the summer months through the help of a math and literacy program.

Those enrolled in kindergarten through fifth grade took part in the new Stanton Avenger Math Summer Challenge, as well as the annual Summer Reading Challenge in order to refrain from what is referred to as “the summer slide.” Considered to be the summer learning loss, the term is a phenomenon coined in regards to students who slightly regress during their time away from school in the summer, losing ground in key subject areas, such as reading and math.

The math challenge is a new program begun by intervention specialist Michelle O’Karma. It was designed to help children put their calculating minds into practice, while literacy specialist Emily Henry spearheaded the reading challenge to inspire a love for literature.

O’Karma said 23 students crunched numbers through assignments, returning to school to enjoy a fun reward.

“Kids participated in the Stanton Math Avenger and were given packets to practice basic math facts over the summer to avoid the summer slide,” O’Karma exclaimed. “When they came back, they had a freeze pop party and extra recess time. Then, we put names in a hat and drew a name. The winner received a free book from our book vending machine.”

Third-grader Ryan Taylor was announced the winner of the gold coin needed to acquire the new reading material. O’Karma said the challenge was the first of its kind and will help students be prepared for this new school year.

“It was a way to keep them energized,” she continued. “We decided to do it so the students would be prepared with math skills when they came back. Normally, we just do a reading program, but we also decided to do math this year.” O’Karma noted the math program will be continued on an annual basis.

Henry led the second-annual Summer Reading Program, where students read various levels of books to keep their minds sharp during vacation.

“The students were given a choice to pick between different levels for the number of books to read,” Henry began. “They could choose to read 10 books, 20 books or 50 books. They had a sheet to color in a picture of a book and then log the title of the book.”

There were around two-dozen students taking part in that program, helping to keep their reading skills in tune. Henry said the benefits were two-fold.

“The purpose is to keep kids reading in hopes they do not regress with their reading skills over the summer,” she said. “It is my hope to build a love of reading with our students. This year, we let the students decide how many books they wanted to read and it was an opportunity for them to set and work toward a goal.”

Henry stated the students enjoyed the program and will receive a book to nurture their love of reading.