Belfair Elementary has embraced a new idea and thematic approach engaging students to read and learn about salmon.  The new AnREADomous program replaces the previous Reading Olympics. A kick-off assembly was held Friday, February 24, 2005.

Initially conceptualized and introduced three years ago by Education Director, Christine Daniel of the Hood Canal Salmon Enhancement Group, Belfair Elementary teacher Michael Siptroth presented Daniel’s idea as a pilot program to other interested staff last year. 

During the 2005 school year year, the entire school is participating in the new reading program which replaces the previous Reading Olympics program.  Achievement goodies for reading levels earned and many other curriculum enhancing ideas arose in development of the program and have been facilitated by Belfair Elementary teachers.

North Mason High School science teacher Karen Lippy and her students at the Hood Canal Institute were instrumental in the development and implementation of the reading program.  With guidance by Mrs. Lippy and Mrs. Daniel, students created props and costumes and performed a play of the Life Stage of the Chum Salmon during the AnREADomous Reading Challenge kick off assembly. 

Students also created the 22’ x 8’ colorful mural of the nearshore from WA to AK that is the catalyst of the reading program.

The AnREADomous program challenges all 550 students at Belfair Elementary to read.  For five weeks, each student will become a salmon (an anadromous fish) traveling their full life cycle and migrating on the mural developed.  Each page read represents two miles traveled on the migration route. 

As the students migrate on their reading journey and pass Tribal nations, geographic and geologic points of interest, they will have the opportunity to learn thematically in accordance with the WA State Essential Academic Learning Requirements (EALR’s).  Teachers may teach about culture, geology, geography, social studies, history, art and even math; as they calculate their reading minutes individually and in comparison with other classes.  This new reading program engages kids to read about anything they choose, but also gives them an opportunity to take their reading and learning to a whole new level.

Other sponsors of the reading program are Mitchell Lumber and Alaska Fisheries, who helped to provide materials needed, and the North Mason Timberland Library who has set aside fish books for those kids interested in learning more about their local natural resource. 

A huge thank you is extended to these folks who care enough about the kids in our community to make this program a reality.