Pamela R. McGlone, School Librarian
Simons Middle School
Flemingsburg, KY
Middle School students in Kentucky are looking up to their favorite children’s stories with help from an EJK Mini-grant.
School librarian, Pamela McGlone and art teacher, Kelly Dusing at Simons Middle School collaborated to connect reading and art. Middle school students chose a story they love, to create story tiles named after their school mascot, the cougar. Funds from the EJK Mini-Grant were used to purchase 24”X 24” ceiling tiles, acrylic paint and brushes.
Creative Cougar Tiles were envisioned, drawn and painted by 7th and 8th grade students to highlight story elements that resonated with them, from the book cover to the stories theme. Favorite stories included Charlotte’s Web, The Secret of Nightingale Wood, If You Give a Mouse a Cookie, How the Grinch Stole Christmas and Serafina and the Splintered Heart. “I chose this book because of the amazing adventures the characters have through the book. The first book really got me hooked and the third is even better. I also chose this book because of the amazing friendship the characters have with each other.” Eva P (Serafina and the Splintered Heart)
The painted ceiling tiles were then mounted on the ceiling as a permanent library installation and transformed the library into a magic book lover’s haven.
“The first thing students, employees and guests do when they walk in the room is look at all the tiles and ask about the project. Our hope is to continue the project for many years to come. Thank you so much for helping us get started!” – Pamela R. McGlone
