Students tackle 4,855 hours of reading at Thunder Ridge Elementary

SARATOGA SPRINGS — After dancing silly in front of his students in a school-wide assembly, Thunder Ridge Elementary School Principal Jason Theler brushed it off:

"Anything for the kids," he said.

The dance Monday marked the end of a month-long, Super Bowl-themed reading contest for the new Saratoga Springs elementary school.

Averaging about 413 minutes per child, the elementary's 704 students spent a total 4,855 hours (291,300 minutes) reading in February to compete for a classroom pizza party with the principal — and additional recess time.

Many students spent school recess time building up their total reading minutes.

"I want to eat lunch with Mr. Theler," said third-grader Brianna Barker. "That is the best prize."

Each week students reported their total minutes on a paper football, which was displayed in the lunchroom.

"I like reading funny stories," said Kayson Springer, an excitable first-grader. "I love to read because I can use my imagination."

To add authenticity, Miss Saratoga Springs Nicole Calder "kicked off" the Super Bowl assembly with long-bomb toss and the nearby Westlake High School drum line played a halftime show.

Theler competed against other faculty members in a question-answer reading comprehension game about a book the children had selected.

The loser had to dance — and Theler did.

"I love to read," said Lizzie Bloomquistt, a timid, blonde-haired, second-grader. "I got 10 footballs for my class."

Andrea Hancock lives in Saratoga Springs, enjoys serving the community and is a member of the Thunder Ridge Elementary School PTA board. EMAIL: newyorkcity152@yahoo.com.