Raven Stream challenges students to read 50,000 books

Raven Stream Elementary School staff threw down a challenge to its 673 students on Thursday, Oct. 12: Read a total of 50,000 books by the end of the school year. To get the New Prague students excited for the program, the school held a rally on October 12 with help from two Vikings cheerleaders.

Hannah and Brooklyn (under the cheerleader program, they only go by their first names) shared how they loved to read growing up. Hannah, originally from Prior Lake, said that her first year in elementary school, her principal was Pat Pribyl, now principal at Raven Stream. “I always work hard, but I still read,” said Brooklyn, who is originally from Rochester. As part of the rally, each grade performed their own cheers.

The program has assigned a number of books for the students to read. For kindergarten, first, second and third graders each student has to read at least 30 books. Fourth and fifth graders have to each read at least 40 books.

During the event, Tony Buthe, Director of Educational Services for the New Prague Area School District, made his own challenge that if the students reach their goal, then Superintendent Tim Dittberner should have to read 30 books.