On a 100-Million Word Mission

A new reading challenge has also helped fuel the bookish energy on campus this year. Last year, Think College Now students for the first time failed to win a reading challenge, falling short in their quest to read 100 million words. This fall they returned with renewed determination (see graph below for progress). The reward: If they reach 100 million by the end of the school year, Principal David Silver will shave his head (and, if the kids have their way, leave the letters “TCN” in the back).

As part of the agreement, Silver promised not to cut his hair all year. At press time, his hair had already become unmanageable. “It is out of control,” he says. “But, like I said when I spent the day on the roof: Whatever it takes!” His unruly head of hair has the attention of TCN students, too. When Silver walks the halls, he’s met with playful taunts (“I’ve been reading a lot, Mr. Silver…”) and scissor-like hand motions.

TCN’s 20-member Student Council has shown great leadership in rallying kids to read. “This year, more than any year [before], the Student Council members are taking on the responsibility of the students meeting the reading goal,” says Student Council Advisor and TCN Science Teacher Brenda Tuohy.

Using a giant thermometer-style banner (it stretches across nearly the entire gym and requires all 20 members to hold it up), the Student Council updates the school every Friday on TCN’s readers’ progress toward 100 million. Depending on the news, their announcement is met with a school-wide “Sweet!” or “Bummer.”

The culture of reading on campus has inspired some unexpected projects, as well. After learning about creative reuse and recycling during TCN’s trip to Vida Verde, 4th-grader Kevin organized a school-wide book swap, with kids bringing in old books to trade for other students’ already-read books. And 5th-graders Hoai and Daniela have founded a recess club called “Run to Read.” For every six laps (one mile) a student jogs at recess, the runner gets a new book. As the girls explained, “This club will get people excited about reading, and fight childhood obesity.”

Most importantly, when TCN students speak of books they’ve read, it’s not about the number of words, but about sinking themselves into the stories and developing a life-long love for reading. As 5th-grader Ameerat says of her favorite book, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, “It takes me to this other magical world.”