Charles William Eliot, an American academic who was selected as Harvard’s president in 1869, helped to transform the provisional college into the preeminent research university it is today. An avid reader and educator, one of Charles William Eliot’s most popular quotes was “Books are the quietest and most constant of friends; they are the most accessible and wisest of counselors, and the most patient of teachers.” Using this quote as a backdrop, the 2015 Bladen County Schools Elementary School Battle of the Books Competition will be held on Tuesday, April 28, 2015 in the media center of Clarkton School of Discovery. Team registration and pictures start at 8:30 am and the competition begins at 9:00 am.
Booker T Washington, Bladen Lakes Primary, Bladenboro Primary, Dublin Primary, East Arcadia Elementary, Elizabethtown Primary and Plain View Primary will be competing in the annual Elementary Battle of the Books. Each team is comprised of up to 12 members who have been preparing to compete in a quiz-bowl format throughout the entire school year. These students have been reading books from the state list which is distributed at the beginning of each school year. This year’s titles include; Among the Hidden, Extra Credit, Hatchet, The Penderwicks, Princess Academy, A Strong Right Arm, Turtle in Paradise and Where the Mountain Meets the Moon.
Coordinators for this year’s event are Jason Atkinson, Chief Technology Officer for Bladen County Schools, Stacey Regan-Murphy, and the entire Technology Services staff. Volunteers from several departments within the Bladen County Schools District Office serve in many capacities during this event. The judges for this year’s competition are Media Coordinators, Sharon Anderson of West Bladen High School, Genia Hester of Bladenboro Middle School, and Megan Kirby of East Bladen High School. The Moderator for this event will be Jason Atkinson. The Technology Department purchased each elementary school a copy of needed books to help prepare for this competition. The winning school will receive a complete set of books for their media center. Each team member will receive a certificate of participation. In addition, team members will receive individual medallions and the winning school will receive a plaque noting their accomplishment.
The purpose of the Battle of the Books program is “to encourage reading by all students at the middle school level. Students, regardless of ability, are exposed to quality literature representing a variety of literary styles and viewpoints by prominent authors in the area of young adult literature. The game format creates interest and excitement in reading. Through the fun and excitement of the competition, students improve reading skills, mature in their choices of reading materials, and acquire a broader knowledge base.”
Parents are encouraged to attend this competition.
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