Nashua’s Pennichuck Middle School joins Fisher Cats Reading Challenge

NASHUA – The New Hampshire Fisher Cats visited Pennichuck Middle School recently to introduce the school to a special reading program. The Fisher Cats and their mascot, Slider, introduced students to the Fisher Cats Reading Challenge, presented by the Community College System of New Hampshire. The students will be rewarded for increasing their reading beyond the normal school curriculum. “This is a fun way to motivate and reward these students with our partners at the Community College System of New Hampshire,” Fisher Cats President Rick Brenner said. “Each year, this program has reached more students and schools, and we hope this year’s participants have fun while also understanding the long-term benefits of strong reading skills.” When students read five books beyond their normal school assignments, they’ll earn a pair of tickets to a Fisher Cats Reading Challenge Night scheduled in 2013 at Northeast Delta Dental Stadium in Manchester, courtesy of CCSNH. The assembly, which also featured healthy eating tips and interactive games with the students, was one of about 40 that the Fisher Cats will make by the end of January. By the end of the school year, more than 55,000 students in nearly 150 schools across New Hampshire and northern Massachusetts will have the opportunity to complete the challenge. This figure will raise the program’s participation to more than 200,000 students since 2007. “New Hampshire’s community colleges are proud of the students at Pennichuck Middle School,” said Shannon Reid, director of communications for the Community College System of New Hampshire. “Literacy is a key element of academic achievement, increasing children’s confidence and making them better communicators as they grow.