+ Problem Solver takes first for short story at states
Flagler Palm Coast freshman Lauren Umpenhour was named a state champion for her short story, “Fear.” Umpenhour is the first state champion for Future Problem Solving at FPC.

+ Second-grade student earns 100 reading points
Jaden Williams, a second-grade student in Debbie Kryspin’s class at Wadsworth Elementary School, was the first student in his class to earn 100 Reading Counts points.

Reading Counts is a research-based program that motivates students to want to read, Kryspin said.
In the program, students choose books to read, and, when they are finished, they take a short test on the computer. If they pass, they get points based on the difficulty of the test.

“Since second graders usually choose one- to three-point books, this is an amazing accomplishment,” Kryspin said.

Williams was awarded a reading medal, which his teacher said he wears proudly, and has increased his goal to 200 points.

+ Imagine School students publish books
Sean Gilliam, first-grade student at Imagine School at Town Center, wrote and illustrated his own published book.

The project was one that the whole school participated in and was introduced by pre-k teacher Tiffany Shields.

“It was a unique opportunity where students learned a great deal about publishing while improving their vocabulary and writing skills,” said Christina Gilliam, Sean’s mother. “In addition, it gave the students a sense of pride and accomplishment.”

— Send school notes to shanna@ palmcoastobserver.com.

• SHARE
• Email This Page
• Share on Facebook
• Share on Twitter
• Share on Google Bookmarks