Kudos to American Way Middle School

whose students now have more opportunities than ever to improve their reading skills, thanks to the opening of a student-run bookstore at the school.

American Way Middle is taking part in an innovative program with Schoolwide Inc. that allows the school to open a bookstore with 200 books. The bookstore’s grand opening was held Monday, September 12, complete with a student performance by the school’s eighth grade orchestra. The students were so excited about the new store that 27 books were sold just at the opening!

The Schoolwide Inc. Student-Run Bookstore Program is a researched-based approach to improving reading skills by building a community of readers and providing access to quality children's literature. Schoolwide supplies bargain-priced books and set-up materials to schools. Student workers then re-sell these books to other students, generally at $2 or below.

American Way Middle received the opportunity to start this bookstore through a contest sponsored by Schoolwide Inc. that teacher Candy Pollan entered over the summer. The store is open from 8:30 – 8:50 a.m. Monday, Wednesday and Friday, and a group of eighth graders run the store, manning the cash register and replacing stock.

“The students were so excited about the ‘lounge’ look,” Pollan said. “I have tried to make it have a real bookstore atmosphere, with muffins and juice to purchase, along with lamps, tables and a couch.”