Orcutt Union School District is encouraging students to read year-round by mixing in a bit of friendly competition.
"Battle of the Books" is an annual springtime event where 4th to 6th graders in the district compete against each other.
Students are asked to read as many books as they can from a list of 30 titles. In spring, students would team up to compete and see who knows the most about each book.
Joe Dana, Orcutt Union School District's Educational Services assistant superintendent, looks forward to the event every year. He said that the program opens the door to a variety of genres for students to explore.
"The books it asks kids to read are from a variety of genres. Some are non-fiction. Some are from the fantasy realm. Some are fiction. There's even poetry in there," Dana said. "It gets kids reading different types of literature - and think that transfers into different literature into the future."
Dana described the energy of "Battle of the Book" as a sporting event where families and friends can come watch the event and cheer on their young readers each year.
It only takes a single book to get kids excited to read. KSBY, in partnership with The Scripps Howard Foundation, is "Giving light. Changing lives" for children in need nationwide through its "If You Give a Child a Book" campaign.
For our third year at KSBY, we have partnered with two Title I schools in Santa Maria, one in Oceano and another in San Miguel, to help provide the books they need for their students.
The campaign begins Monday, Aug. 29, and lasts through Friday, Sept. 9. The Scripps Howard Foundation will be matching donations, so make sure to donate early to ensure your pledge is being doubled!
Employees here at KSBY began the campaign internally in early August to help support the children at the four local elementary schools, and in total raised $3,066.
Now, we are taking this campaign out into the community, with the goal of raising $40,000 worth of books for local students in need. To donate, click here. Or text KSBY to 50155. Message and data rates may apply. A $5 donation is all it takes to give a book to a child who needs it most.
Arellanes Elementary School, Bonita Elementary, Oceano Elementary and Lillian Larson Elementary will be a part of our "Big Book Giveaway" in January as we partner with Scholastic to turn all of the community donations into books for these students.
