Alton Memorial Junior High School (AMJH) is holding a special marathon this week that involves students, staff, and members of the community. It is a type of marathon for the mind. Their first annual Reading Marathon is being held all week. Their goal is to have a person reading continuously in a special “reading chair” from 7:55 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. each day this week.
The “reading chair” is located in the main campus concourse, just outside the library. Readers go to the library, select a book of their choice and then read for 25 minutes per “shift”.
Each reader is treated to popcorn and water, a comfortable chair and a footstool. During the reading shift, the participants must model good reading habits that also show what reading without distractions and completely focus on a book, looks like. Students walking by are taking notice and have been eager to imitate the reading models.
Student readers get excused from an elective class for the 25 minutes. Some teachers and campus staff are giving up 25 minutes of their conference periods for the opportunity to read and model good reading habits.
Community participants, so far have included: Sheriff Eddie Guerra, attorney Jesse Gonzalez, Alan Campbell from KRGV-TV, State Representative Sergio Munoz Jr., Superintendent, Ricardo López, and principals of elementary schools whose students attend AMJH.
Pictured is Hidalgo County Sheriff Eddie Guerra, as he made himself comfortable for his shift in the reading marathon.
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