Read for the Record

On Sept. 20, 2007, Lafayette participated in Jumpstart's Read for the Record, a national campaign designed to enourage children and adults to read the same book on the same day. Jumpstart donated 80 copies of "The Story of Ferdinand" by Munro Leaf to Lafayette. In addition, Junior League purchased 12 books so that every first grader could take a copy home. Several Lafayette parents also attended the special program.

Twenty-two guest readers including Choice Foundation board members, Junior League volunteers and St. Charles Presbyterian Church volunteers, participated in the first grade classrooms by reading the book aloud in small groups of 3-4 children and leading a discussion of the book. This was followed by an art activity which allowed the 92 children to decorate a flower which they glued to Ferdinand's pasture, a mural on the first floor wall. Junior League provided juice and cookies. Students received a sticker and a certificate as well as a copy of the book.

The goal of Jumpstart's Read for the Record campaign was to raise public awareness about significant disparities in early education.

A photo board is on display on the wall outside the school office on the second floor which captures the excitement of the morning. You can view some of the pictures of the first graders here by clicking below for a larger version.