MEEKER I January was Library Month at Meeker Elementary School, utilizing the theme of “robots.”
The students were invited to make and bring a robot to the library. By the end of the month, 111 robots took over the MES library.
During library classes, 4-H coordinator Carley Smith helped the students with a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) project that included engineering a ski jump.
The students used a variety of supplies to build a jump for a marble. Each student learned skills of working together and solving problems within a short time.
Kim Kendall, a coordinator for the Eastern Rio Blanco Metropolitan Recreation and Park Center, brought LEGO kits to the library for the students to create their robots. The students’ creativity was nearly limitless,” MES librarian Kay Bivens said.
In another activity, the elementary school students were invited to dress as their favorite book character, Bivens said, adding that the school was full of many heroes of young readers.
MES Principal Kathy Collins told the students that she would dress up like a robot if the students checked out 1,750 books from the school library.
With the combined efforts of the students and teachers, there were 1,787 books checked out.
On Feb. 1, there was an all-school assembly for the conversion of Collins into a robot by six of the student scientists. Collins then led the parade of 111 robots around the gym.
Bivens said she would like to thank all of the persons who helped make library month so successful.
“This whole program is part of our positive progress and happenings in the school as well as the community,” she said. “It shows how the rec center and the CSU Extension Service work with the school for the betterment of the community and our children.”