Kidsday: Reading on the RISE

Most kids think reading is boring and would rather play video games or watch TV. Not me. I love to read and could read all day. In my grade, every student has the opportunity to read 40 or more books. It might take a while, but I know I can do it. Every day for up to 40 minutes, you get to read your book. This period of time is RISE (Reading in Session Everywhere). RISE is different from other reading programs because you pick your own book and have fun with reading. I have many recommendations. Books I love are the whole entire "Percy Jackson" series by Rick Riordan, and "Radiance" by Alyson Noel, and "Middle School: The Worst Years of my Life" by James Patterson. All of these books are fantastic and will make you want to read. Instead of playing video games, get outside and read.

Students helping soldiers

We have a student-run program called MACC, which stands for Martin Avenue Cares Council. We have a teacher supervisor, but the kids do most of the work. One project we are really proud of is MACC Packs for Soldiers. Each month students collect items and write cards to send to soldiers all over the world. We work with our local Veterans of Foreign Wars, who take care of sending some of the goods overseas and distributing others to veterans. The items collected vary from canned fruit to playing cards and socks to T-shirts. We also collect toothbrushes, toothpaste, razor blades and shaving cream. We also send along small handheld games and sports balls might come in handy.

--Kidsday Reporter Max Kirby

Charmed, I'm sure

Almost everyone you meet will have a lucky charm, and I'm not talking about the cereal.

A lucky charm can be anything. I got mine from my dad. My dad works for FDNY. On the necklace, it says FD. He got it when he was 17 years old, otherwise known as ancient times. (Just kidding.) When I found it, I asked my dad about it he said that it gave him a lot of good luck. I asked if I could wear it for one day and he said yes. Even more, he said that I can keep it. Ever since I've been getting a lot of good luck.

That's my good luck charm and how I got it. Do you have any?

--Kidsday Reporter Kayleigh Specht

CLASS OF THE WEEK: Sue Kahn Wolk's sixth-grade class, MARTIN AVENUE SCHOOL, North Bellmore