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WILKES-BARRE — Team Kistler has achieved another win and is celebrating.

Reading specialist Sandy Atherton was named runner-up in the “Educator of the Year” contest through the Magic Tree House Teachers Club.

The school received $250 and a complete set of 67 Magic Tree House books. The books are based on an imaginary tree house that can transport two young characters back in history and around the world.

Atherton’s victory was based on her successful incorporation of the books into the school curriculum.

She and her team went above and beyond to ensure the books would come alive for students in kindergarten through sixth grade.

Assistant Principal Justin Correll recalls Atherton spending an entire Saturday crafting a “treehouse” from which members of the teaching staff and the administration make the books come alive for students.

Correll, who has donned a variety of Magic Treehouse-themed costumes, said the program makes the stories real for students and makes it more likely they will read.

The presentations teach not only reading, but other disciplines such as math and history.

“We gathered the students at the magic treehouse for the 100th day of school,” he said. “The students hopped a hundred times and they sat in silence for 100 seconds.”

Getting books into homes

Reading, Correll said, is the key to learning other things.

With the majority of students at the school deemed low-income by federal standards, many don’t have books in their homes.

With early reading being a major predictor of future success, Kistler staff members and administrators are working to change that.

Atherton said the school has welcomed programs such as RIF (Reading Is Fundamental), which will put a book into the hands of every student.

She also invited Osterhout Library staff to the school to provide students with an overview of what is available to them at a library, including books, DVDs and computer access.

She then provided an opportunity for each student to obtain a library card.

“We want to get a library card into the hands of each student,” she said.

Correll lauded Atherton’s efforts and her commitment to students.

“Sandy is always working with colleagues, community members and the school administration to find new creative ideas to deliver our curriculum,” he said. “Her enthusiasm for reading and her belief in including vocabulary, comprehension and higher-level thinking skills across the board has helped transform Kistler into an enriched environment, promoting lifelong skills.”

Community support

Correll also credits the community for support of the school, with many of its members wearing “Team Kistler” T-shirts in public.

“They see people at the supermarket wearing the T-shirts and they realize that members of the community are on their side and willing to help,” said Correll.

He is also looking forward to a McTeacher Night at the McDonald’s on Sans Souci Parkway later this month.

Members of the PTO, students, teachers and administrators will serve customers and prepare food to raise money for the school.

“I’m pretty loud,” said Correll. “I sing to the customers as I’m waiting on them.”

Going the extra mile

Correll said teachers are often called upon to fill gaps in the lives of students.

“Our teachers are willing to stay late and go the extra mile,” he said. “It’s not like when it’s 3:00, they’re out the door.”

Sandy Marinko, a Title I math teacher whose claim to fame was playing “Squanto” in the Magic Tree House presentation of “Thanksgiving Thursday,” is always willing to whip up a costume to hold the attention of students.

For Halloween, she created a minion costume that took her five days to complete.

“It was worth every minute of it,” she said.

The teachers say their success wouldn’t be possible without the efforts of Principal Margo Serafino, who often says, “Run with it,” when they have an idea.

“It is our belief at Kistler Elementary that our students should experience learning, not only through standard text, but through a culture of learning that allows them to flourish and grow intellectually, emotionally and socially,” Serafino said.

Teacher Darlene Payne said the school is providing academic benefits to students while encouraging a culture of maturity and kindness that will assist them as they move forward.

“I was sick last year and I got a card from a student,” she said. “It read, ‘I hope your days are as happy as the ones we have at school.’”

Payne said, “You can’t get better than that.”

Vice Principal Justin Correll and reading specialist Sandy Atherton lead a reading activity for students at Kistler Elementary School in Wilkes-Barre.
https://www.timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/web1_justin-4.jpg.optimal.jpgVice Principal Justin Correll and reading specialist Sandy Atherton lead a reading activity for students at Kistler Elementary School in Wilkes-Barre. Submitted photo

Sandy Atherton and other Kistler Elementary School teachers created the Magic Tree House Teachers Club used in a reading program.
https://www.timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/web1_magictreehouse-4.jpg.optimal.jpgSandy Atherton and other Kistler Elementary School teachers created the Magic Tree House Teachers Club used in a reading program. Pete G. Wilcox | Times Leader

By Geri Gibbons

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Reach Geri Gibbons at 570-991-6117 or on Twitter @TLGGibbons.