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March 5, 2024

Reading into the Importance of Reading

March is National Reading Month, a celebration that encourages reading for all ages and promotes reading as a key feature for learning, social, and professional development. At Lancaster City Schools, we take the encouragement of reading seriously year-round and have been recognized for those efforts.


It is equally important, however, for parents and guardians to continue encouraging students to read even when it's not an academic requirement. A recent article in Psychology Today reported that children who read for pleasure from a relatively younger age were more likely to show improved cognitive performance (higher IQ), language development, and academic achievement (grades and performance in school). They found that reading for pleasure was associated with fewer mental health problems, including being less likely to have attention problems, fewer symptoms of stress, and fewer behavioral problems. Reading for pleasure was also associated with less screen time and longer sleep duration.


As positive as that data is, it can be challenging to implement a reading routine into an already busy day, and harder still to force your child to like reading for pleasure. Some creative suggestions include:


Model good reading behavior. If kids see you reading, they will be more likely to pick up a book themselves.


Read together before bedtime. Get quality time together at the end of the day.


Get a library card. Studies show that children who frequent a library tend toward reading for pleasure.


Let them choose. All reading is good reading. Let kids know that reading is great no matter what they're interested in. Anything goes - fiction, biographies, kids' magazines, comic books, or even reading a cookbook in the kitchen!


Create a reading nook. A cozy, snuggle-friendly area in your home can be turned into the family "reading zone." Just add blankets, pillows, a bean bag chair, and a window or lamp!


Read with friends. A book club with friends can give kids a way to share and learn about different opinions. Kids can talk about a book, their favorite characters, or how they think the book could have ended differently.


If you can encourage a student to read, know that the benefits will be life-long. And the sooner you can get your student to enjoy a good book, the better. Early childhood is a critical period for brain development, which is important for boosting cognition and mental well-being. Good brain health at this age is directly linked to better mental health, cognition, and educational attainment in adolescence and adulthood. It can also provide resilience in times of stress. For more information about the benefits of reading, visit www.readingfoundation.org.

Spring Break Extended Through April 8!

What's Happening in Our Schools

Medill Elementary

The Medill Art Club was busy making art that will be featured in the choir club's musical on Thursday, April 25. We love seeing collaboration and creativity at work!

Gorsuch West Elementary

We had another successful Care Package Drive to benefit the Point In Time Count, which provides needed items to the homeless and unsheltered people in our community. Thank you to all who were able to donate items.

Tarhe Trails Elementary

Students enjoyed the mobile STEAM museum that visited the school recently. These 5th-grade students enjoyed the hands-on experience that introduced them to science (S), technology (T), engineering (E), arts (A) and mathematics (M).

Mt. Pleasant Elementary

Did you know that we have various sensory-friendly spaces throughout our building to help students decompress? Our library features cozy spaces to relax and read, as well as interactive activity areas.



Untitled Design

Tallmadge Elementary

We are taking advantage of opportunities for extended learning. Students have the choice to sign up for a variety of after-school activities. Students can choose between EL tutoring, Math tutoring, Book Club, Arts & Crafts, Girls Who Run Club, Sign Language, Cooking, and Drama Club. A Tallmadge student garden is in phase one of planning!

General Sherman

Students from the General Sherman Power of the Pen program went to Licking Heights Middle School for a creative writing competition! These students competed against ten other schools. Overall, the 8th-grade team took home the third-place trophy! These students are preparing for the next round of competition on March 8 at Ohio University-Lancaster!

Thomas Ewing

Not to be outdone by their friends across town, four students from Thomas Ewing also took home awards from the Power of the Pen competition and are looking forward to the next round of competition, too!

Preschool

Students at Sanderson have fun every Wednesday when they have a puppet friend visit and teach them a letter from the alphabet. What a creative way to learn!

Lancaster High School

Lancaster High School National Technical Honor Society (NTHS) held its inductions recently. The NTHS is an educational non-profit that exists to honor, recognize, and empower students and teachers in Career & Technical Education. 

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Lancaster City Schools

Lancaster High School

Thomas Ewing Jr. High

General Sherman Jr. High

Gorsuch West Elementary School

Medill Elementary

Mt. Pleasant Elementary School

Tallmadge Elementary

Tarhe Trails Elementary

Contact Info:

Nathan Hale

Superintendent

740.687.7305

Jeromey Sheets, Ed.D.Director of Elementary Education
740.687.7306
Director of Student Services
740.687.7360 
Coordinator of Human Resources

Sarah Daugherty

Supervisor of District Technology Services

740.687.7388

Kristin Vandermark

Transportation Supervisor

740.687.7366

Food Service Supervisor
740.687.7350

Casey Rainier

Custodial/

Maintenance 

Supervisor

740.687.7358 




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