November 21, 2024 – Dozens of 麻豆社事件 Public School (JPS) scholars were all smiles after winning the district's annual Reading Fair, held on Friday, November 15, 2024, at Cardozo Middle School. This year's theme was "Young and Gifted: Unlocking the Magic of Books."
Over six weeks, scholars participated in reading fairs at their individual schools, culminating in the District Reading Fair, which celebrated the best projects from across the district.
The school's gymnasium was filled with colorful, engaging, and creative displays.
Scholars showcased their favorite books through tri-fold boards, featuring summaries, character descriptions, vibrant illustrations, and thematic quotes.
Many displays included 3D models, props, or costumes that captured key elements of the books. Some students even dressed as their favorite characters, enthusiastically sharing their knowledge with attendees.
PHOTO GALLERY: 2024 JPS Districtwide Reading Fair
Families, peers, and judges walked through the fair, admiring the projects, asking questions, and enjoying the scholars' evident passion for reading.
"The event is a celebration of literacy and imagination, fostering a love for reading while showcasing the creativity and effort of young minds," said Dr. Samecia Stokes, JPS Director of the Office of Library Services.
The JPS Reading Fair began as part of a statewide initiative. However, after the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted countless aspects of education, the statewide initiative was discontinued. The JPS Reading Fair now thrives as its own district-wide tradition.
More than just a showcase of creativity, the fair encourages scholars to exercise the power of choice by selecting one of their favorite books to bring to life.
"We have the opportunity to empower them to explore different genres and decide what they want to base their reading fair project on because so often they are told what to read in class," said Dr. Mavis Dawson, librarian at Bates Elementary School. "When they come to us, they get a choice—they can select a book and truly enjoy reading it."
The District Reading Fair is designed to inspire a deeper connection with reading while reinforcing the Mississippi College and Career Readiness Standards at every grade level. This experience fosters critical thinking, creativity, and a passion for literacy, while providing scholars with a platform to engage with peers, educators, and the community.