Becker Intermediate School Assistant Principal Mark Graham pledged to spend the night on the roof of the school should the IS kids reach a goal of reading 25,000 books for the school year.
That goal was kicked off in September and 25,000 books read was quickly surpassed by January. So Graham was forced to set up a camp in mid-winter just outside the doors to the school.
“If it gets the kids to read, I’m happy to oblige,” said Graham.
Principal Christine Glomski said her staff has a goal to get the kids to increase their stamina to read and grow their love for reading books.
“It’s been fun,” she said. “Good focus for us and the children. I’m just surprised how quickly they reached the goal for the year.”
Since they reached the goal in just four months, staff has pushed the goal to 50,000 books by the school year end. As of last week the tally was at 26,700.
Glomski says her staff designate “celebrations” for goals achieved all throughout the school year and some of them include “pajama day”, “hat day” and “school bingo.”
“We also set up bouncy houses in the playground — when the weather is nice, of course,” she said.
Last Thursday, Graham and “outdoor survivalist” Jeff Sackett rigged a ladder in the corner of the building and — after shoveling thigh-deep snow — began toting supplies up to the roof after school closed. Graham was alloted a tent for shelter from the wind and he also brought a sleeping bag and cot to the precipice as well as two stoves to stay warm.
In the morning, Graham sat at the edge of the roof and greeted the students as they arrived for the school day.
Glomski said she hopes to post photos and videos to a public page that Graham captured of his experiences.
“I’m sure he’ll have fantastic stories to tell of his adventure,” she said.
