Student wins ‘Reading Challenge’ and gets to be principal for a day

Eagle Rock Middle School in Idaho Falls had a freaky Friday sort of day. Even though it’s not Friday 7th grader Mason Colvin won this year’s Reading Challenge and got to be principal for a day.

More than 700 students participated in the Reading Challenge but there could only be one winner and the prize for accomplishing a 100 percent of the ‘Reading Challenge’ was to play principle and call the shots for a day.

Mason’s first day on job wasn’t easy, “I feel a little nervous.”

The first thing Mason switched up as principal was to change an Outstanding student drawing that traditionally takes place on Fridays to Wednesday. Students who get their ticket drawn in the raffle win a prize of a candy bar of their choice.

Mason said his goal with being principal for a day was to make school different, “I want to make school fun like go outside and play football for the entire day.”

While Mason accomplished his principal responsibilities Principle of Eagle Rock Middle School Matt Hancock sat in math class Wednesday wearing jeans and a hoodie like any other 13-year-old would wear except for the fact that he’s a grown man. Mason, on the other hand, wore a blue tie and slacks and sat in the oversized principle’s chair.

“This is not usually what I wear I usually have a tie on today I’m dressed like Mason,” Hancock said.

Director of Finance Yuli Gatipa who also works as the principal’s secretary made sure the new principal kept on schedule.

“Mr. Mason is principal for the day, he’s doing a great job. The principal is in Mason’s class taking notes and doing homework,” Gatipa said.

Mason had meetings with teachers and patrolled the hall ways while talking to students about their day.

Hancock stayed busy in class answering algebra problems and working in teams with other students on class assignments.

Hancock has a busy day, “First-hour focus I was editing my paper right now I’m in my math class. But have a reading and English class to go to. Good new is I get to have lunch today.”

Hancock said it’s important to have contests like this because it gets kids excited about reading.

“It’s a critical skill that they have to have to be successful especially going into high school. So we put a lot of emphasis in our middle schools to make sure students are reading. So one of the things we do is create activities to engage them,” Hancock said.

Hancock said schools changed since he went, “There’s a lot of technology, the process for learning has changed I use to sit in a row by myself and do 20 math problems now you work in groups.”

The fun ends when the last quarter bell rings and Hancock and Mason switch back into their roles.

Hancock said he’ll be saved by the bell by the end of the day. “I’m having fun in the classroom but I will be glad to be principal again.”