“I’m grateful to continue the ‘Readers Are Leaders’ tradition that has helped foster Staten Island children’s love of reading for more than 20 years,” notes Borough President Jim Oddo. “Although this kind of recognition looks different than in years past, the sentiment is the same. We want to take the time to congratulate all of this year’s participants and hope you all continue to read and enjoy learning.”
“Readers are Leaders” challenges 4th grade classes in Staten Island’s public, parochial, and private schools to read a minimum of six books at grade level or above during the five-week period of February 17th – March 23rd. The “Readers Are Leaders Jr.” program runs concurrently to the fourth grade program. The first grade was challenged to read one book of their choice along with “I Am Enough” by Grace Byers, of which 2 copies were provided to first grade classrooms on Staten Island.
In prior years, students would submit a report on their favorite book read during the challenge and each school would pick one “Exception Reader” to receive an award at a ceremony in May. Due to the current situation, this year, the students will be virtually celebrated.
The challenge was started 24 years ago by then-Councilman Vito Fossella before being taken over by the Borough President’s Office. Since its inception in 1996, 4th graders have read more than 690,000 books for the annual challenge. “Readers Are Leaders” is sponsored by CTV, Barnes and Noble, and the Staten Island Yankees.
The following schools contacted the Borough President’s Office to inform us that their students participated in this year’s challenge:
“Readers Are Leaders” 4th grade challenge participants:
PS 26
PS 29
PS 42
P.S. 62
Our Lady Star of the Sea
“Readers Are Leaders Jr.” 1st grade challenge participants:
PS 42
PS 44
Academy of St Dorothy
Holy Rosary
Seton Foundation for Learning