Click on the above image for more photos of Hilltop Mystery Readers.

March 5, 2025 — February was "I Love to Read Month," which provided a perfect opportunity for staff at both Hilltop and Shirley Hills primary schools to encourage reading and celebrate the efforts each student made in their reading achievements.

Hilltop Primary School celebrated their 10th annual Read-a-Thon this year. February began with a variety of “I Love to Read” activities, like an at-home BINGO board, staff mystery readers on the daily announcements, school-wide book BINGO and flashlight reading every Friday. Read-a-Thon Day was celebrated on February 28 with several mystery readers and parent volunteers, who came in to read to classes.

“We always love this tradition!” said Principal Mike Moch.

At Shirley Hills Primary School, students collected pledges for each book they read to support the 13th Annual Read-a-Thon. Funds raised will support author visits, adding new library books and refills to the book vending machine, and additional library needs. Principal Scott Eidsness urged parents to focus on reading at home, in the car, and at events as “finding sneaky ways to add up minutes in a book is super important.”

Shirley Hills hosted both in-person and virtual Mystery Readers on February 28, an event that is often the highlight of the Read-a-Thon. Costumed readers took turns reading in the various classrooms before participating in a parade throughout the school so that everyone could enjoy the costumes. Students were also treated to visits from a pair of Minnesota authors during the month.

Students at both schools enjoyed fun activities all month that kept them engaged and excited to read!

Click on the above image for more photos of the Shirley Hills Mystery Readers.