• Article Photo. Ryan Reading on a Roof: Principal Davis celebrates 30 years of Book-It and 27 Million words read.
    Ryan Reading on a Roof: Principal Davis celebrates 30 years of Book-It and 27 Million words read.
  • Article Photo.
  • Article Photo.
  • Article Photo.
  • Article Photo.

The students at Shellsburg Elementary have read more than 27 MILLION words in the past few months. In order to recognize this accomplishment, as well as to mark the 30th anniversary of the Book-It reading promotion, Shellsburg Principal Ryan Davis spent Monday on the roof, reading to students gathered below.

Mr. Davis bundled up, wearing camouflage and orange from his head to his feet, as he read a variety of books, including the comic book of children's poems called "Falling Up" by Shel Silverstein.

"Why are you reading on the roof?" asked one student. Others gathered around, making requests for specific poems. The classes took turns throughout the day, and many who were outside for recess wandered toward the corner where Mr. Davis had perched.