Madera Unified hosts Battle of the Books

For The Madera Tribune

Students from 14 Madera Unified elementary schools were represented in the first district-wide literacy competition, Battle of the Books.

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Fourteen Madera Unified elementary schools were represented in the first district-wide literacy competition, Battle of the Books.

Approximately 140 third through sixth grade students participated in the event held at Torres High School on April 6.

This competition was coordinated through the Madera Unified School District’s Educational Services Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment department led by Assistant Superintendent Sheryl Sisil and Elementary Director Nicole Guerriero.

School site Library Media Technicians coached both levels (third-fourth and fifth-sixth) of student teams. Student participants displayed their knowledge around pre-selected books they’d been reading since February. Teams competed in four events, of which only one was an individual event.

Teams ran a relay, collaborated to solve multiple questions based on their books, and raced against time to provide the correct and quickest answers. Students were judged on knowledge about the text details as well as their ability to work efficiently as a group.

Students from the following schools earned awards for high scores in the various events:

3rd-4th grade: Alpha, Chavez, La Vina, Monroe, Parkwood

5th-6th grade: Alpha, Berenda, Chavez, Howard, La Vina, Millview, Monroe

La Vina was the highest scoring team for third and fourth grade teams. Meanwhile, Millview was the highest scoring team at the fifth and sixth grade level.

More than 50 volunteers from all over the district including high school students, directors, coordinators, district coaches, administrative assistants, assistant superintendents, superintendent Todd Lile, and other district personnel helped out.

As one coach put it, “The overall energy and spirit of this incredible event will forever be ingrained in our students. I truly believe this event furthers students’ academic success and enhances their love of literature.”

By the end of the day, feedback from the event included elementary students clamoring to participate again next year.

One team coach reflected, “They (the students) began this journey timid, shy and uncertain. By its completion, they were brave, outspoken and ready to conquer the world. MUSD has truly granted them a priceless gift.”