Principal wrapped up in summer reading

WEBUTUCK — We all know that teachers are fans of reading, but Webutuck Elementary School Principal Katy McEnroe took her literary devotion one step further last Thursday, Sept. 24, literally wrapping herself up in her students’ achievements in summer reading.

McEnroe had previously pledged to her students that if they managed to beat their previous participation record for Assemblyman Marc Molinaro’s annual summer reading program, she would be wrapped up like a mummy in front of her school.

Molinaro, who emceed the assembly in the elementary school gymnasium, revealed that Webutuck had blown by its previous record of 141. This year 177 kids from kindergarten through sixth grade took part in the assemblyman’s challenge to read for 15 minutes a day (either alone or with a parent) during the months of July and August. Those who recorded 40 or more days during that time frame were awarded a certificate of excellence award and honored by Molinaro.

But as the near-deafening levels of applause and excitement indicated, the students knew the real payoff: seeing their principal wrapped up in paper strips that were awarded to the students who had completed the challenge. The students decorated the paper before it was taped together to form long strips that covered McEnroe several times over.

“You’ve done a great job,� she told the school before the mummification consumed her head. “And I hope you all continue reading not just during the summer but all year long.�

Molinaro, in typical fashion, had plenty of praise to bestow upon the school.

“We do this for one reason: we want you reading!� he told the children. “Your brains are like sponges, and you’ve done a terrific job. I want all 120,000 people in the district to know that.�

Molinaro said that it was an honor to come to Webutuck every year to congratulate all the students for their motivation to read during the summer.

“I think you’re the greatest readers in the state of New York,� he concluded, offering high praise to the students.

As for those wondering what McEnroe’s incentive for her school will be next year, she has yet to decide on one great idea. Plenty were offered though, and one thing’s for sure: The plan is to get every one of the 400-plus elementary students at Webutuck hooked on the assemblyman’s challenge.