The Principal’s Book Club was recently launched at Scituate High School in order to encourage outside reading and increase awareness of the book selection at the school library. The club was created by SHS English teacher Paul Scavotto and school librarian Susan Lydon.

Like the Olympic Games, the Principal’s Book Club rewards students with medals for reading outside of school. Students who read thirty books (outside of school) over the course of four years receive a gold medal; if they read twenty books, they receive a silver medal, and if they read ten books, they receive a bronze medal.

Beyond receiving impressive awards that students may want to include on their college applications in the future, participating students who receive one of the three awards are promised a celebration, such as an ice cream party or a field trip. The specifics of this year’s celebration have not been planned.  

If you are interested in participating in the Principal’s Book Club, stop by the library and pick up a form at the display outside of the Makerspace. Any student wishing to participate in the club must choose one of the many books on the official list, which includes everything from classics, such as The Age of Innocence by Edith Wharton, to one of the nonfiction selections.

Though the list covers many genres, Lydon said, “If you don’t like any of the books on the list, you can ask an English teacher or me if you can get a different book approved. We really want people to read what they are interested in.”

After completing a book, students must pick up a Principal’s Book Club Form and answer questions about the main characters, the theme, or the type of conflict. After completing this form, students must have a parent or guardian sign it as well as their English teacher or Lydon.

Reading dozens of books outside of school may sound like a daunting task, but Lydon believes that students are capable: “You can do the reading over a school vacation–you don’t have to do it while you’re busy with classes.”

Lydon and Scavotto hope the SHS students who get involved with the club enjoy reading and the numerous benefits that come from reading. According to Lydon, the purpose of the club “is to get students excited about their outside reading and hopefully help them with their academic reading as well.”