“The kids are always so excited during Book Fair,” said Bucchignano, adding that many students return several times to buy books. She said she loved seeing students getting excited about buying and reading books. If students are unable to bring in money for books, Bucchignano tries to ensure that they can still buy one by tapping donations made during the week by staff. 

Many staff members also do some holiday shopping at the fair, which ends up helping the library. This year, based on final sales numbers, Scholastic will give the library about $800 in credits toward new books.

Once again, teacher aide Steven Feldman donned a Clifford costume to the delight of the schools’ younger students.

“Steve is always so helpful; he’s a big participant in this fair!” Bucchignano said.
 
Cutline: Student Frank Bozsik looks at a book with his classroom’s teacher aide, Marissa Gurka.