Royal readers rule

Queen of

Renaissance

Fair celebrates

with Madelia

students

By FRITZ BUSCH

Journal Staff Writer

MADELIA -- Queen Margaret of the Renaissance Fair got a royal welcome Tuesday at Madelia Elementary School.

Her appearance was all part of a celebration of Media Specialist Lori Pietsch, who was recently recognized as one of the nation's most innovative educators by the 2004 ING Unsung Heroes awards program.

One of 100 national winners of a $2,000 grant, Pietsch donated the money to the school's Family Reading Night and Accelerated Reader programs. She'll compete with other winners for one of three top national prizes -- and awards of $25,000, $10,000 and $5,000.

Before Queen Margaret arrived, Madelia Elementary Principal Mary Hanson told students and teachers that reading is an important skill to learn.

Hanson told students to set reading goals, and read, read, read to achieve them while promoting family literacy.

"Imagination is more important than knowledge," Hanson said, quoting Albert Einstein.

Queen Margaret spoke rather eloquently herself.

"I'm so delighted to be here for this event for all you royal readers. You rule. No treasure or possession like my castles, horses or carriages are greater treasures to me than my books and my ability to read them."

She urged students to find something that excites them and become royal readers.

In her 13th year at Madelia schools, Pietsch teaches library classes including literature activities and technology skills.

The school's Accelerated Reader program has been in existence for 12 years.

Pietsch's Reaching and Reading: Family Literacy Outreach Evenings project encourages and enhances family literacy in English and Spanish.

Through the project, students guide their parents, model reading and participate in reading literacy activities. Bilingual reading materials are used to expose the community to Hispanic cultures, experiences and contributions.

Last year, Family Reading Night included a visit from Sartell author Douglas Wood who wrote the award-winning children's book "Old Turtle." Two years ago, Bloomington author Nancy Carlson, who has written more than a dozen children's books, visited Madelia on Family Reading Night.

On Oct. 20, an Asian storyteller and dragon troupe will visit the school on Family Reading Night.

On Dec. 9, Renaissance Fair actors will join reading program participants at the Lake Crystal Recreation Center.

Madelia students have until May 14 to reach their 2004-2005 school year reading goals.

Pietsch was quick to point out that thanks to Sarah Garcia, the school's grant writer, the district has received numerous grants including a three-year, $150,000 CSRG (Comprehensive School Reform Grant).

"Sarah has been very successful writing grants," Pietsch said.

Grants helped the school to create a computer laboratory of 56 IMAC apple computers. There are three or four computers in each classroom.

The ING UnSung Heroes awards program recognizes kindergarten through 12th grade instructors nationwide for their innovative teaching methods, creative educational projects and ability to make a positive influence on the children they teach.

(Fritz Busch can be e-mailed at fbusch@nujournal.com)