The theme of the reading program this year at Sunnyside Elementary School – how organizations help animals in trouble – brought a practical as well as an educational result.
The kindergartners through fifth-graders are building doghouses to be donated to the La Plata County Humane Society and Annie’s Orphans, a no-kill dog refuge.
Under the guidance of teachers and Mike Crouse – a carpenter by trade, a partner in Tree House Renovation and father of Sunnyside third-grader Berkley Crouse – the youngsters design the doghouses, measure lumber, saw wood, hammer nails and place screws.
No power tools are involved.
“I’ve learned that when you saw wood, you don’t look away,” third-grader Sidney Elliott, 9, said. “You keep your eye on the cut.”
Sidney added she learned another trick – putting a dab of wax on screws make them twist in easier.
On work days, the children rotate between carpentry and making fleece blankets that will be donated along with the doghouses.
In the yearlong reading program, students must read 2,800 minutes. Based on grade level, they choose fiction, nonfiction and material from local organizations that help animals.
“When children can choose what they read, it’s an incentive to read more,” Principal Vanessa Fisher said. “The whole idea is to make readers of them.”
In the course of their reading this year, they will learn about the work of seven local organizations that look out for animal welfare.
Children also will meet the principals of these organizations: Bear Smart Durango, Fresh Start Horse Rescue, La Plata County Humane Society, Annie’s Orphans, Spring Creek Horse Rescue, St. Francis Wildlife Rehabilitation and Wolfwood Refuge.
Last year, under the theme “Together we can make a difference,” the reading program focused on non-governmental organizations such as the Red Cross and Habitat for Humanity.
Another year the theme was endangered animals of the oceans.
Parents of students often join the work parties held after classes let out.
On a recent work day, Lori and War Casillas – whose children Ethan, 11, Ayden, 6, and Malina, 4, attend Sunnyside – lent a hand, he with the carpentry, she with the blanket-building team.
“We help when we can,” War Casillas said.
daler@durangoherald.com
