Elementary schools add Little Libraries

Fifth-grade students at Meadowdale Elementary School worked with teachers Rani Kettel and Brian Monroe-Jones to establish a Little Free Library on their campus.

The Little Free Library is a nationwide movement that promotes literacy and a love of reading by encouraging free book exchanges. The nonprofit is known for the little house-like libraries on poles set in neighborhoods or common areas that it’s inspired.

Meadowdale’s little library was built by Kettel’s husband, Ken Kettel, and is covered in original artwork by Meadowdale High School senior Elizabeth Savchuck. Students stocked the cupboard and unveiled the addition in late November.

Meanwhile, in Everett, staff at Penny Creek Elementary School in Everett took a different approach to the Little Free Library. They set up a traditional bookshelf stocked with children’s books inside the Mill Pointe Apartments business center.

Staff and volunteers also plan to read to children and families at the complex monthly starting in January. They also will give away donated winter coats. Kindergarten teacher Jessica Johnson is leading the effort.

“Our purpose will be to build rapport and connection with these families outside of the school setting,” Johnson said. “We will slowly learn their needs, and hopefully be able to meet these needs as they arise.”

Teen is first recipient of volunteer award

Elana Everybodytalksabout, a student a Marysville Pilchuck High School, is the first recipient of the Community Service Recognition Award sponsored by the Marysville Rotary Club and the Maryville Les Schwab store.

Elana has regularly volunteered with the Marysville Food Bank, with campus cleanups at Marysville-Pilchuck, and at the YMCA when needed. She also helps with special needs students.

VFW Edmonds names essay winners

Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 8870 of Edmonds at its Dec. 8 meeting recognized several area students who participated in the annual National VFW essay contests.

This year’s winning essay for fifth grade was submitted by Chloe Lee, a student at Mukilteo Elementary School.

The winning Patriot’s Pen essay was submitted for a second consecutive year by Lara Wahid, a student at Harbour Pointe Middle School.

A repeat winner also was named in the Voice of Democracy audio essay contest. Winner Olivia Olsen is now a sophomore at Edmonds-Woodway High School.

To submit items for School Winners, email newstips@heraldnet.com.