Riverhead readers get sweet prize

Students at Roanoke Elementary School in Riverhead recently reached a reading goal set by their principal that comes with a sweet reward.

After logging 50,000 minutes of reading time outside of school this week, the students will convene in the school auditorium Friday afternoon to see Principal Tom Payton take a pie to the face.

Payton made the promise after claiming reading 50,000 minutes would be “easy as pie,” for the students.

During Reading Week, students were also treated to reading- and writing-focused events during the school day, nonfiction book celebrations, and a “reading roundabout,” where students went from room to room to hear stories read by teachers and others.

“Reading Weeks are a great vehicle to promote the love of reading and the use of the library," Payton said in a statement. "The kids love them, and I don't mind taking a pie in the face if it helps them learn to read."