Superintendent Ben Mainka held the first ever Novi Community School District Elementary Summer Reading Days for each K-4 building in late August.
Mainka read "No Buddy Like A Book" by Allan Wolf at each Summer Reading event.
The Novi Public Library hosted the first event, for Novi Woods families, on Aug. 18. Novi Woods Principal David Ascher played his guitar and sang with students. Superintendent Mainka read a book to the students and later passed out popsicles.
“Our schools are precious centers of our students’ community, and getting together at The Novi Public Library helped build those community relationships with many, many partners,” Ascher said. “Being with students, their families, and our staff reminds me why we do what we do. Schools and our PTOs are here to celebrate and nurture learning, growth, and those positive relationships. Singing, playing, reading and even enjoying special treats helped start our year in the most spectacular way!”
Mainka and Michael Giromini, the new Assistant Superintendent of Academics, visited Orchard Hills in the afternoon on Aug. 18.
“Mr. Mainka and Mr. Giromini joined the Orchard Hills community on our playground,” said Orchard Hills Principal Adva Ringle. “As children played in our playground, our families excitedly got to know Mr. Mainka and Mr. Giromini. Our families and students welcomed them with hearty cheers and signs!
“Escaping the summer heat for the coolness of our media center, our students rejoiced in listening to a read-aloud with Mr. Mainka and then celebrated with ice pops. We are so excited to learn in NCSD under his new leadership!
The final three reading events also allowed new principals to meet their families before the first day of school.
“As the new Parkview principal, this was my first opportunity to meet some of the students, families, and staff,” said Jennifer Murphy after an event at Lakeshore Park Shelter on Aug. 19 .
“I was so grateful to be received with such warmth, and I left the event feeling so excited after feeling all the positive energy! If this was any indication, it is going to be an amazing year at Parkview!”
Village Oaks Principal Katy Dinkelmann, the new principal at Village Oaks, said the reading event at the neighborhood clubhouse was a fun way to kick off the school year: “It was such a joy to meet my students and families for the first time! Students and I played Sharks and Minnows, while others enjoyed playing on the playground and using sidewalk chalk.”
The final event was held Friday at Wildlife Park Pavilion for Deerfield families. Ryan Francis, the new principal at Deerfield said: “The Deerfield Summer Reading Event was a great way for Mr. Mainka and myself to meet the community. I love to read books to kids so this was right up my alley. Connecting with kids and families is important to establishing a partnership this year and every year. Everyone was so nice and welcoming and I look forward to a great year.”