Charged Up to Read: Growing a Community of Lifelong Learners at St. Victor School

There’s nothing quite like the joy of choosing a new book. At our Scholastic Book Fair, that magic comes to life as one of our youngest Chargers explore the shelves and discover stories that spark curiosity and joy.

At St. Victor School, reading isn’t just an academic skill—it’s the foundation of what it means to be a Lifelong Learner, one of our core Student Learning Expectations. When children have constant access to books, space to explore their interests, and teachers who nurture their curiosity, they begin to see reading as something joyful, empowering, and deeply personal.

Every November, that belief comes to life through our month-long Read-A-Thon and our beloved Scholastic Book Fair. These traditions transform our campus into a celebration of stories—inviting students to discover new worlds, talk about books with friends, and build the daily reading habits that help them grow into confident, capable learners. Together, they remind us that curiosity is a skill, learning is a lifelong journey, and reading is where it all begins.

A Month of Reading, Curiosity, and Charger Spirit

Our annual Read-A-Thon, themed “Charged Up to Read!”, builds on the strong reading culture our students experience all year long. But in November, there’s a special energy on campus. The friendly challenge to log the most reading minutes adds a spark of excitement, and students who already enjoy reading often find themselves reaching for “just one more chapter” a little more often than usual.

Classrooms buzz with book conversations, and students swap recommendations. You’ll hear everything from, “You have to read this one!” to, “I finished my book last night—what should I try next?” It’s joyful, organic, and deeply rooted in their genuine love of stories.

For families, the Read-A-Thon becomes a fun extension of something we regularly encourage at St. Victor: reading 20 minutes a day together. As we shared in an earlier article, How St. Victor School Builds a Lifelong Love of Reading, on building reading habits at home, those shared moments strengthen both literacy and connection. This month, families often tell us they’re reading a little longer, trying new genres, or rediscovering favorite childhood books right alongside their children.

And the Read-A-Thon also supports our campus! This year’s pledges help fund repainting and building improvements. This is an investment in the very learning spaces where our students think, wonder, and grow.

The Magic of the Scholastic Book Fair

This week, the excitement reaches a new level as our library transforms into the annual Scholastic Book Fair, a tradition beloved by generations of Chargers. Students walk in wide-eyed, excited to browse shelves filled with mysteries, graphic novels, biographies, science books, and timeless classics.

For many children, the Book Fair is a formative school memory where choosing a book feels big, important, and empowering. It’s also an opportunity for parents to come on campus, browse alongside their child, and see firsthand what stories are capturing their imagination.

Across campus, you can feel it: books are everywhere, and learners are thriving.

A rainbow-maned unicorn pumpkin added a dash of magic and imagination to the Book Fair.

A feathered turkey pumpkin—complete with tiny glasses—was a standout in our Pumpkin Book Character

This Doraemon pumpkin brought so many smiles—perfectly paired with a favorite storybook character.

This “hatching dinosaur” pumpkin was a big hit—perfectly matching Baby Dinosaur at the Book Fair.

A joyful moment from our Pumpkin Book Character Family Project—sharing stories, creativity, and earl

This cheerful dragon pumpkin—complete with wings—added a magical touch to our Book Fair displays.

A joyful moment from our Pumpkin Book Character Family Project—sharing stories and creativity.

Adding an extra touch of joy, our preschool families contributed something truly special: the Pumpkin Book Character Family Project. Using pumpkins handpicked by PTG during their farm visit, families worked together to create pumpkins inspired by beloved book characters. These adorable creations are proudly displayed at the Book Fair, delighting students and visitors of all ages. It has been a heartwarming celebration of early literacy and a beautiful example of the Parent–School Partnership that shapes our community.

More Literacy Moments Across Campus

Classroom Door Decorations

Literacy came to life all across our hallways this month as each class selected a beloved book and transformed their classroom door into a themed display. From colorful characters to creative recreations of favorite scenes, students and teachers poured so much heart into their designs. Walking through campus felt like stepping into a storybook—an experience that reflects both our school spirit and our shared love of reading.

Bright Wonka hats and swirling lollipops make this Charlie and the Chocolate Factory door delightful

A rainbow of crayon characters fills this door, celebrating the humor and creativity of The Day the

This beautiful We’re All Wonders door reminds our community that every child is unique, valued, and

These silly, wide-eyed carrots from Creepy Carrots! brought laughter and creativity to the hallways.

Inspired by Ramona the Pest, students filled their door with playful puddle-splashing Ramonas.

Students brought James and the Giant Peach to life with a cheerful display of hand-colored peaches.

Special Guest Author: Gene Luen Yang

This week, our 5th–8th graders had the extraordinary opportunity to meet Gene Luen Yang, award-winning graphic novelist and former St. Victor parent. Author visits like this are incredibly meaningful for students, and we’re grateful that he chose to share his time and talent with our community. When children see someone thriving in a creative career, they begin to imagine those paths for themselves. Inspiration for the next award-winning author truly begins here. The next generation of authors is in our classrooms, where curiosity, creativity, and confidence are nurtured every day.

Stepping Into the Story: 3rd & 4th Grade Field Trip

Our 3rd and 4th graders had a truly joyful experience attending the live production of James and the Giant Peach, Jr. at the Milpitas Community Center. The excitement was evident from the moment they entered the theater. There’s something special about watching a story come alive right in front of you.

Both classes have recently read the book and, being so close to the source material, they lit up each time they recognized a character, a line, or a scene they had imagined while reading. Seeing the story unfold onstage helped them understand it in a new way: suddenly, the characters they discussed in class were right there singing, laughing, and adventuring in front of them

A full cast moment from the show—where music, movement, and teamwork created a magical storytelling

Colorful costumes and imaginative characters brought the inside of the giant peach to life—sparking

Students were swept into the world of James and the Giant Peach Jr. as the story began to unfold.

All aboard! Nothing sparks field trip excitement quite like the sight of the yellow school bus rolli

Excitement was in the air as students gathered together before heading off for a memorable field tri

A heartwarming moment of encouragement—students cheering on a classmate with a handmade sign.

Grateful for our incredible parent partners—everyone came together to make this field trip possible.

A joyful class photo before the adventure begins—smiles all around on a beautiful field trip morning

Anticipation builds as students take their seats—ready to watch a beloved story come alive on stage.

It was a beautiful reminder that stories don’t just live on the page. They live in the way students visualize them, discuss them, and experience them—whether through reading, conversation, or moments like this that bring literature to life.

Why Literacy Matters at St. Victor School

At St. Victor, we view literacy not simply as a subject, but as a foundation for the future. Reading strengthens critical thinking, builds empathy, nurtures imagination, and supports every academic discipline—from math to science to faith formation.

Our literacy approach reflects our Student Learning Expectations:

• Child of Faith: Stories help students understand compassion, justice, and the dignity of others.

• Lifelong Learner: Daily reading fosters curiosity and builds the habits students need to grow academically.

• Caring & Responsible Citizen: Books help students see diverse perspectives and understand experiences beyond their own.

When students experience reading as joyful not forced they internalize that learning is something they can love for a lifetime.

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What It Means to Be a Charger

In everything we do from our Read-A-Thon to our Book Fair our goal is to nurture students who are inspired to learn, confident to try new things, and grounded in values that guide them through life.

Being a Charger means:

• Finding joy in learning and discovery

• Feeling supported by teachers who know their strengths and challenges

• Growing in faith and character

• Building community through shared experiences

• Developing the confidence to become tomorrow’s thinkers, leaders, and problem-solvers

Early reading success is a powerful predictor of long-term academic growth. But more than that, it shapes identity. When children see themselves as readers, they see themselves as learners, and that identity lasts far beyond their days at St. Victor School.

This month reminded us of something simple and profound: when children are excited to read, they’re excited to learn. And when they’re excited to learn, they can become anything.

If you would like to support our Read-A-Thon fundraiser, you can learn more and donate on our page. Thank you!

Donate to Read-A-Thon

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• Scholastic (2023). Kids & Family Reading Report, 7th Edition.

• Scholastic Book Fairs (2023). Impact Insights on Student Reading Engagement.