Children’s Choice Challenge

UPDATE: out of 30 contestants, Perkins placed 4th! Way to go Penguins! Keep reading those books and stay diligent!

A handful of our 4th and 5th grade students got to participate in an awesome book challenge this winter. Last November, the students were given a 17 book list compiled by Iowan students around the state. The students then read the books, completing reflections on each title. On top of gathering information and ideas from the books, our Penguins also created three projects to showcase at the Children’s Choice Challenge event (which was held downtown last week).

I am very pleased to say that out of all the DMPS elementary schools that competed, our three projects were the most original. We brought two student-made videos, and an elaborate clay sculpture to display our understanding of some of our favorite titles from this year’s list. Our Penguins spent weeks on their projects, dedicating more time and energy than any other school in attendance. Being one of the Children’s Choice coordinators at Perkins (alongside Jan Suceska), I am very proud of the work our Penguins put into this.

Last, but not least, there was a competition between all of the schools based on the 17 texts. Students competed in a 34-question quiz on this year’s books. The results have not yet been announced, but it is safe to say that Perkins could be facing a victory here. Congratulations to all of the students that participated, and thank you to all of the parents involved over the past five months!

– Brandon Jenkins