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Today, the book fair financials were sent to Scholastic. Reflecting on the experience, I have to say I am quite proud of our efforts! The profit objectives were easily achieved ($2500 in Scholastic Dollars) which is a wonderful thing. But even greater than the profits were the many highlights during the book fair. Here is a list of those highlights that should be celebrated:
  • Less fortunate students were invited to come to the book fair, browse books and shop!
  • Teachers created "classroom wish lists" with books they would like to have in the classroom. Most of those wishes WERE granted!
  • Many students donated money to the ONE FOR BOOKS campaign which supported ALL students coming to the book fair to shop for books. 
  • Students donating money participated in a poster raffle - 40 winning students were invited to choose a poster of their choice.
  • All staff members were given a small book fair gift certificate inviting them to come and buy books for themselves and/or family. Some staff donated their certificate to the ONE FOR BOOKS campaign.
  • Clifford the Big Red Door greeting all students arriving by bus on the first day of the book fair.
  • Parents and teachers were invited to a special advanced preview of the book fair. They enjoyed tasted homemade muffins and coffee. 
  • Students visited the fair before it started and made personal  "wish lists".
Scholastic wrote the book on putting on book fairs, they have it down to a science. While many of us would like to support local book sellers, the profit margin with Scholastic is almost three times greater than everyone we spoke with. Next year, we will likely consider a local book seller if we were to do two book fairs. Please let me know if you have any suggestions.

Thank you! Thank you! to the small army of volunteers that donated their time and energy setting up, work and closing down the book fair. This group truly believes in our students and our school. Queen Anne Elementary will always be as great as our community!

More book fair photos.

 
 
Book Fair update - we are doing well! To date, we've earned a considerable amount of profit that will provide great books for our new library. Next year, we will re-think some of the items for sale and focus ONLY on books (maybe bookmarks and pencils)! My apologies for anything that came home with absolutely NO literary value.
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Something with huge literacy value and lots of heart is a little gem that Mr. Elliott discovered at the fair, Heroes for My Son, by Brad Meltzer. When I heard it brought him to tears (not a hard feat) I had to find it. This book could be titled Heroes for my Child. The virtues and talents of the heroes highlighted will inspire and excite my daughter, Madeline.  Each hero has a photo and a list of antidotes and quotes - many of which need more research to truly understand this hero (another great reason to read Heroes). There are a few copies left on the shelf, but if we need more I can get them by Friday.

The book fair is open late on Thursday and will close on Friday at 1:00.

 
 
If you are planning on writing a check for your child to bring to the book fair, please remember to include tax in the check total amount. If you add 10% we can give your child back the change. Also, make checks out to "Scholastic", not the school.

Today, I will be visiting all the classroom, talking about the One for Book program. Any child that gives at least one dollar for less fortunate kids to receive new books from the fair will not only being doing a total act of kindness, but they will receive one entry for the poster drawing on Friday. ]

Parents, please check out your child's classroom wish list! There maybe a book or two that you are able to provide for the classroom.

The book fair will open at 9:00, instead of the scheduled 9:30. This morning was a major selling time!
 
 
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Scholastic has a wonderful incentive for kids to donate money to ONE FOR BOOKS. This program gives money to kids at our school that are less fortunate and not likely to purchase books from the book fair.

Children donating a dollar or more will get a ticket for a chance in the drawing to win a book fair poster of their choice ($4.50 value). There are 40 poster to give out! Thanks for allowing your child to donate a dollar for another child to get a brand new book!

 
 
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Answer: A list of things I'd like if wishes were grantedStudents visited the Scholastic book fair today and created Wish Lists and will share their wishes with people in their lives that love them, this could include many people! Look for folded pink wish lists coming home today. The book fair will be open all week from 9:30-12:30, Thursday 1:00-4:00.

Today, Clifford the Big Red Dog greeted students as they arrived this morning! What could be more perfect to start off our first book fair?  We are inviting parents again tomorrow for coffee and treats at 9:30. Please come and visit the book fair. Each teacher has created a "Classroom Wishlist"  - take a look at the books requested for the classroom.

All proceeds from the book fair will go back to the schools for books and equipments. See you at the fair!!