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Weirton Elementary kicks off reading program

By CRAIG HOWELL 2 min read
BOOK UNVEILED — Hancock County Schools officials and other guests, on Jan. 31, unveiled the book at the center of this year’s Read With Me Weirton program at Weirton Elementary. Pupils at the school will be reading “Ramona Quimby Age 8,” by Beverly Cleary during the next few weeks, while also taking part in quizzes and activities based on the book.

WEIRTON -- Pupils at Weirton Elementary are embarking on a literary journey, with support of the community, focusing on the life and adventures of a third grader.

The school hosted an assembly Friday morning to celebrate this year's Read With Me Weirton program, unveiling the book at the center of the activities.

"I am so excited to unveil the book," Principal Denise Miller said.

Prior to the announcement, Assistant Principal Derek VanDyke reviewed a series of clues placed around the school in recent days, including pictures of a school bus, a cracked egg, a chef's hat, an eraser, a whale and more.

The school's faculty and staff also put on a skit, featuring a special rap to provide additional clues to the book, and sang a song about the importance of family, joined by some special guests from the community.

Then, it was time for the reveal, with officials announcing the 1981 Beverly Cleary story "Ramona Quimby Age 8," as the focus of this year's program.

Part of a series written by Beverly Cleary, the book tells the story of Ramona Quimby as she enters the third grade at a new school while maneuvering through a variety of other challenges at home.

In its fifth year at the school, Read With Me Weirton provides all 908 pupils at Weirton Elementary School with a copy of the selected book, along with reading assignments each day and themed activities.

Pupils are given a reading log and a chapter chat log, to track their participation, and a special activity has been planned for 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., Feb. 11 at the Mary H. Weir Public Library.

Several area businesses also have gotten involved in the program.

"If you go to the business, and take your book, you'll get a ticket," Miller explained.

Those tickets then can be exchanged for a chance at prizes.

Participating businesses include Granato's Deli, Dance by Hillary, Casey Sisters, Mary H. Weir Public Library, McDonald's, Fox's Pizza, Newbrough Photo, Aloha Delights, Great Clips, Peppebroni's, Basil's, Prime of Weirton, Tudor's Biscuit World, Wing It, Sheetz, Coffee Bean, Eat 'n Park, Dragon Palace, Country Delights, Huntington Bank, Dominos, Giovanni's, Dairy Queen, Papa John's, Chico Fiesta, Weirton Plaza, Undo's and Big Shot Bob's Wings.

The program will conclude Feb. 14 with an assembly at the school.

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