Third-graders collaborate on book

SANDPOINT — Farmin Stidwell Elementary School gained several dozen newly-published authors this week.

Teachers and students released “A Third Grade Guide To Sandpoint,” a project that has been in the works since the beginning of the school year, to much fanfare Tuesday morning. The book contains essays, drawings and photographs from the elementary school’s entire third-grade class crafted to give residents and visitors alike a new sense of Sandpoint’s defining characteristics.

“I feel very happy that we’ve gotten this done, and I’m excited that other people can see it now,” student Jett Lucas said.

The work began in September, when teachers asked students to select a local activity or location especially meaningful to them. The kids’ choices ranged from signature Sandpoint attractions like City Beach, Tavers Park and the Panida to native flora and fauna like huckleberries and kokanee salmon to activities like flag football and scuba diving.

“I like riding horses and going to camp (at Western Pleasure Guest Ranch),” student Libby McLaughlin said regarding her selection. “I just love the place so much, I thought it would be fun to write about it.”

After the kids chose their topic, it was time to get to work. They began by conducting research. After they got a handle on the facts and history of their assignment, they sat down to write their essays. Their work produced some memorable excerpts.

“S.P.O.T. is the best bus on EARTH! And the ONLY one in Sandpoint!” Liam Marks wrote. “Do not be scaredy cats, kids! It’s fun!”

By comparison, Kierra Forell adopted a more matter-of-fact tone when discussing the Long Bridge.

“The Long Bridge got its name because it’s a seriously long bridge,” she wrote. “It’s almost two miles long!”

In addition to the essays, the book is filled out by photographs and drawings done by the kids. There are even some puzzles and word searches in the back.

The book became possible after Farmin Stidwell third grade teachers Rick Price, Diane Copley and Becky Charvoz received a grant from the Panhandle Alliance for Education to finance a special project. After clearing the idea with Farmin Stidwell principal Anne Bagby, they set to work making room in their curriculum.

Both teachers and students left their comfort zones to accomplish the project. For one thing, Price said he and Copley and Charvoz had never tried to publish a book before. That alone required a fair bit of research.

“Learning to do the layout was definitely one huge challenge,” Price said.

Of course, their students had to make adjustments of their own.

“This was the first time most of the kids had to deal with deadlines, for one thing,” Price said.

Everyone came through in the end, though, and “A Third Grade Guide To Sandpoint” is now available for purchase. The proceeds from the book will contribute toward the purchase of books, supplies and classroom events. Copies are available both at Farmin Stidwell Elementary and on-demand at Amazon.

“I’m really proud and happy that people will be able to read this book,” student Amber Bell said.