Program prize: Primary principal's painted pate

McCOOK, Nebraska -- McCook Elementary students are reading up a storm, in hopes they can paint the hair of their principal.

At the regular McCook School Board meeting Monday night, board member Diane Lyons expressed interest in an "Accelerated Reader" book challenge McCook Elementary students are undertaking. For each book students read and are tested on, they receive a paper "ring." When linked with rings from other students, they hope to form a chain long enough to go around the entire school block.

If that is done, McCook Elementary Principal Tim Garcia told students he would paint his hair.

Students have until the end of the school year to form the block-long chain. If completed, a student's name will be drawn, who will decide which color Garcia should paint his hair.

Students have really gotten into the challenge, Garcia said.

"I've already had kiddos come up and ask if I would dye my mustache and beard, too," Garcia said, who has been growing out his military-style haircut so there will be more to paint.

The reading challenge is the result of studies showing that an extra 20 minutes day can improve students' reading scores, Garcia said. Kindergargeners and first grade students are also in on the competition, with a link given for each book that is read to them or that they read themselves.

Other comments made at Monday's board meeting include:

* board member Shane Messersmith: attended the state FFA competition in Lincoln with fellow board members Larry Shields and Tom Bredvick. FFA students competed in the state competition and placed within the top 15 in state. He also thanked fellow board members for attending.

* board secretary Teresa Thomas: thanked the high school track athletes for helping the junior high track students during practice. There are 99 junior high students out for track this year, according to the eighth grade girls track coach, Carrie Goltl. Other coaches for junior high track are Jeff Holthus, Josh Kershaw and Tom Lentz

* board member Larry Shields: congratulated FFA teacher Sarah Knutson on her students competing at the state competition and sponsors Bobby Bortner and Ben Siegfried. Also mentioned that the prom promenade at the high school "went off without a hitch," with the auditorium packed.

* board vice president Sandy Krysl: thanked the parents, teachers and other adults who helped with family carnival night at McCook Elementary.

* board president Tom Bredvick: thanked parents, staff, teachers and others who volunteer for school activities like prom.

* Superintendent Grant Norgaard: thanked high school teachers and administration for the hard work in planning innovative programs. Also thanked board member Teresa Thomas for bringing to his attention April as "Month of the Military Child." Everyone will be asked to wear purple on Monday, April 15 in support of children who have a parent serving in the military.