Each of the grade levels set reading goals to reach by the end of the month. Together, the school has rounded up to a count of 3,000 books over the course of February. The first-graders — including, from left, Shayne Tripp, Aubrea Savoy, Chloe Odle and Brooklyn Cox — have collectively set their goal at 750 books. – Sarah Kocher/Albert Lea Tribune

Halverson teachers affix the Olympic handprint rings to the wall prior to Thursday’s kickoff. The month is themed the Reading Olympics, and if the students reach their reading goals they will all receive gold medals. – Sarah Kocher/Albert Lea Tribune