Hudson Maxim Book Fair Prepares Students for Family Reading Challenge

Thursday brought Hudson Maxim School's annual Scholastic Book Fair to a close, and school officials say students are now ready to embark upon the Books & Beyond Program.

At the fair, which boasted an "Egyptian Oasis" theme, students were able to browse the oasis to find their favorite books.

Each year, the Hopatcong Elementary Parent Teacher Organization hosts the fair in preparation for the three-month program, a nationally recognized reading incentive effort designed to increase the time families spend reading together. As part of Books & Beyond, students and parents log their time reading to each other at home. After students read for 200 minutes, Principal Tracey Hensz presents them with a small prize. Students receive different prizes for each 200 minutes read. 

Ultimately, participants shoot for a goal of reading (or being read to) for a total of 1,200 minutes. Those students who complete the task are invited to an evening Gold Medal Ceremony where students are recognized for their efforts with a shiny token of their achievement.