Monroe Elementary Reading Initiatives Raise $13,000 as Students Log Nearly 91,000 Minutes

Casey-Westfield School Board Meeting | March 16, 2026

Article Summary: Monroe Elementary students shattered reading goals during two concurrent literacy programs, raising substantial funds for the school library and reading over 3,700 individual books.

Elementary Literacy and Activities Key Points:

• The annual Read-A-Thon raised over $13,000 for library programs, with students logging almost 91,000 reading minutes in 11 days.

• The “Bikes for Books” program, sponsored by the Casey Masonic Lodge, saw students pass 3,757 Accelerated Reader tests.

• The school announced the upcoming launch of “Girls in Motion” and “Boys in Motion” after-school wellness programs.

• Sixth-grade science students tested custom-built “earthquake-proof” homes against a classroom shake simulator.

The Casey-Westfield School Board on Monday, March 16, 2026, reviewed an elementary building report detailing massive student participation in winter literacy programs and hands-on science curriculum at Monroe Elementary.

Principal Kacie Rhoads delivered updated figures to the Board regarding the school’s annual Read-A-Thon, which concluded on March 13. While initial agenda packets estimated $11,000 raised and 80,000 minutes read, Rhoads reported to the Board that the final tallies were significantly higher. In just 11 days, Monroe students read for almost 91,000 minutes, and the event successfully raised over $13,000. The funds will be directed toward the main library, classroom libraries, and Accelerated Reader (AR) incentive programs.

The community heavily supported the literacy push, with the Casey Masonic Lodge sponsoring the “Bikes for Books” program for third through fifth graders. Running from January 6 through March 6, the program required students to read and pass comprehension tests during their library rotation times.

Students successfully completed and passed 3,757 AR tests during the program. Each passed test earned the student a ticket for a drawing, scheduled for March 18, where two students will win bicycles provided by the Lodge.

Inside the classroom, the report highlighted experiential learning initiatives, particularly in sixth-grade science. Students recently concluded a unit on earthquakes, researching historical warning systems and the development of shock absorbers for modern infrastructure. Applying their research, students designed and built their own structures. Teacher Lindsay Shawver—dubbed “Earthquake Shawver” for the project—then put the student designs to the test on a simulator, with the report noting that while some structures survived, “some did not.”

Looking ahead to the spring, Monroe Elementary announced the launch of two physical and mental health programs for students. “Girls in Motion” (formerly known as Strong Girls) will run on Tuesdays from April 7 through May 12. A companion program, “Boys in Motion,” will run on Thursdays from April 9 through May 14. Both programs focus on building confidence, developing decision-making skills, and incorporating 30 minutes of physical activity.