Making the scariest and silliest scarecrow faces he could, Pasadena ISD Superintendent Kirk Lewis created his own animated version of “The Little Scarecrow Boy” by Margaret Wise Brown as he read the book to Laura Bush Elementary School students in the Champions after-school program.

“Once upon a time in a cornfield, there lived a scarecrow and his scarecrow wife and their little scarecrow boy .,” Lewis read, as the students listened eagerly. Pausing throughout the story, Lewis observed as the students demonstrated their own versions of the facial expressions the scarecrow boy’s father taught him to frighten the crows.

The book was one voted on to be read by Lewis by more than 60 Champions after-school students who attended the program’s recent annual Lights On event.

“I am passionate about reading, and I want our students to have that same love of literature,” Lewis said. “We know that literacy is the key to success in every subject. You cannot gain proficiency in math or science without knowing how to read and understand the vocabulary that is unique to that discipline. If we can instill a joy of reading in our students at an early age, that skill will enable them to be successful in every area of their education.”

Champions is an on-site before and after school programming service provided by Knowledge Learning Corporation (KLC) School Partnerships to schools nationwide. The program is currently available at 11 Pasadena elementary schools, as well as at Rick Schneider Middle School.

Lights On is a special Champions event with a goal to emphasize the importance of keeping after-school programs’ lights on and doors open for those students and parents who need the service. Public figures such as policemen, firefighters, principles, librarians, parents and even superintendents are invited to read to the children at the event every year.

“The children loved having Mr. Lewis read to them,” said Rheena Taylor, KLC’s program administrator. “He is someone they can look up to, just as the policemen and firefighters are. Having a new source explain the importance of reading to children is more influential than hearing it from the same source over and over again.”

“The Little Scarecrow Boy” is a story about the things children cherish such as family, home and their place in the world. It celebrates the tradition of passing knowledge from one generation to the next, and Lewis said he related his discussion with the students to the lessons in the book.

“The little scarecrow boy looked up to his father, so I stressed to the students the value of those role models in our lives and how important it is to listen to and learn from our parents,” Lewis said.

Reading isn’t all that took place between the students and their superintendent at the event. The students sang songs, talked about their favorite books and enjoyed cupcakes along with other refreshments. The children talked to Lewis about what they had learned so far this school year and the different activities they take part in while in Champions.

Bush Elementary School Principal Debbie Barrett said she was sold on the Champions program from day one and knew that it would be an asset to her students and parents.

“I wanted the parents to have the option of daycare within a building they trust,” Barrett said. “I also wanted to use a company that would provide a fun and developmentally appropriate after-school program for our students. The events in Champions help the students feel connected and provides them with excitement and fun in the program.”

Barrett also said the program helps to increase student achievement as they continue academics outside of regular classroom hours.

“The students complete their homework with help, listen to stories for enjoyment and play games with peers while continuing to practice academic skill,” she said. “They take turns, keep score, develop strategies for winning, as well as develop a wide range of social skills. All of these are important to their attitude about school and what happens while they are on campus.”

Lewis said because of programs such as Champions, students have a safe and fun after-school environment in which to learn.

“The educational support KLC provides does wonders for our students,” he said. “Every student benefits from having an adult help them with their school work. It definitely has a positive impact on student achievement, and partnerships with KLC and other similar organizations provide another thread of support that assists our teachers and our parents as they work with the children.”