In conjunction with the R-9 School Board of Education appreciation week, Pleasant Valley Elementary School celebrated Tuesday as Reading Round Up Day.

Members of the board attended a lunch with the school’s faculty and staff, and later Dr. Mark Baker, assistant superintendent for business, read to some students.

“Anytime I can get to read to kids is a good day for me; that’s where school is fun,” Baker said.

The school’s principal, Brenten Byrd, said this recognition day was well worthwhile.
“I think their support of our programs is phenomenal,” Byrd said of the board members. “The board members showing up today for this is a great example of their support. It’s nice to see teachers and board members get along so well. Sometimes board members are unapproachable, but here it’s so friendly. They’re so willing to get involved with the school.

“Reading is the basis of education,” Byrd continued. “What better way to celebrate education and the board?”

In the classrooms, the students read from western-themed books. Additionally, to get into the spirit, students were encouraged to dress up in western attire. Students and teachers dressed in plaid, blue jeans, red bandanas, and overalls. The hats throughout the school were brown, black, white, brown, pink, purple, leopard spotted, straw, little and big.

“I think it’s great for the kids to get excited and participate in these fun, learning events, as long as it doesn’t retract from the learning. This appears to be a real positive event in the building,” said Dr. Gary Reed, superintendent for the R-9 school district.

As the board members arrived for the lunch, the students were having their meal in the cafeteria.

“It’s excitement galore in there,” said president of the board Danny Lambeth as he took off his coat.

Decked in cowgirl attire, Kelsey Frost, fifth grader, said she was enjoying the celebration of reading.

“I like it, it’s fun,” she said. “I like to read mystery stuff. The Nancy Drew books are my favorite.”

Later in the day, the school was visited by a real rodeo clown, Wayne Rust, and his “buckin’ bronk” Big John, which was a Shetland pony.