Rings for Reading
McCook Elementary students keep a tight hold on their paper links in the wind as they form a "paper chain" around the entire school block Thursday. Students made a paper ring for each Accelerated Reader book they read and passed a test on, spurred on by the challenge of McCook Elementary principal Tim Garcia, who promised to dye his hair if the combined rings reached around the school. Kids stepped up to the challenge and on Thursday, the proof of their reading prowess became evident as the rings finally linked up, much to the delight of the students. Garcia walked around the school after the links were connected and high-fived all of the students. Kids will vote on what color his hair will be painted and Garcia will dye his hair for the last two days of school. "I've been hearing about this every day," since the competition began, he said. Shown with Garcia at the connecting point are Alex Messinger, from left, Megan Kotschwar and Sophia Jones.