Time ran out for the teachers last week as the students in grades 4-8 logged in the required 18,000 pages in order to claim first place in the student/teacher reading challenge. The students had maintained a steady lead through most of the three-week contest, and ultimately logged in 24,266 pages to the teachers' 16,282 pages.

The students were awarded a free dress day as a result of this feat. The teachers dressed in school uniforms on Friday for their second place showing. ("There are no losers when it comes to reading," said librarian Jane Baetens, who coordinated the contest.)

Recognition certificates were awarded to students who read over 500 or 1500 pages. Recognition certificates will continue to be awarded throughout the year. "We want our students to continue to take time to read," said Jane. "Our goal was not to beat them - our goal was to encourage a lifelong love of reading. Beating them would have been nice, however."

Pictured are Scott Tily and Jane Baetens with the top readers in each grade, and teachers dressed in full school uniform.