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FROM DERBY DUCKS TO READING NOOKS
Columbus Elementary School teacher Vicki Melnar’s classroom buzzes with the kind of energy and excitement that only second grade students can generate, yet there’s a special corner reserved for quiet, calm and discovery.
Thanks to a Columbus Education Foundation (CEF) Classroom Grant, Melnar’s students now have their own Reading Retreat—a cozy library nook designed to spark a passion for books and provide a peaceful space for independent reading.
Along the journey to creating this inviting space, students also learned about the Columbus Duck Derby, the unique community event that made their Reading Retreat possible.
A cozy space for young readers Melnar’s vision centered on creating a warm and welcoming library nook designed to spark imagination and foster a love of books. “Our Reading Retreat provides a dedicated, cozy space for reading that encourages students to independently explore literature,” shared Melnar.
The inviting environment— with comfortable seating, soft lighting, and easy-to-access shelves— helps students relax and immerse themselves in stories.
Grant funds made it possible to offer age-appropriate, diverse books across genres and reading levels, transforming the nook into more than just a reading corner—it’s also a flexible instructional area for small group activities, partner discussions, and enrichment.
This unique space cultivates a classroom culture that values independent reading and builds stamina, helping students become lifelong readers.
Meeting every student’s needs
While the Reading Retreat provides a cozy atmosphere, its true strength lies in supporting every student’s unique learning needs.
Melnar recognizes that not all students learn the same way, so the nook offers quiet solitude and enables differentiated instruction.
By expanding her classroom library with high-interest books, she ensures every child finds a story to love, regardless of their reading level or interests.
“My goal is to capture their hearts and instill a joy of coming to my class each day. I aim to work together to see growth in each student,” Melnar says.
The ultimate goal is to build a student-centered environment that encourages independent reading and positive habits. Flexible seating and differentiated instruction help students develop fluency, comprehension, and confidence— essential skills for academic success.
Grants and The Duck Derby: How CEF supports innovation Projects like Melnar’s Reading Retreat are made possible by CEF Classroom Grants, which are designed to support teachers’ creative ideas and help bring learning alive. The grants are funded by the Columbus Duck Derby, a signature event where 3500 rubber ducks are released into the Colorado River and race to the finish line. Melnar’s class had a chance to see the ducks up close in their classroom while learning about the Duck Derby. This sparked plenty of curiosity and some imaginative and del ightful questions, such as “Do the ducks have motors on the bottom?” and “I thought maybe they were going to slide the ducks down the ramp at Beason’s.”
This year’s Duck Derby begins at 11 a.m., Saturday, May 16 at Beason Park. The first-place duck will win $1,000, with second and third place prizes of $500 and $250, respectively.
Get involved and make a difference
The Duck Derby isn’t just a lively community gathering—it is a chance to shape the future for Columbus ISD students. With each $5 duck purchased, you directly empower teachers like Vicki Melnar to build creative, engaging spaces that spark curiosity and a love for learning. Buy your duck at any local business displaying the Buy Your Duck Banner or online at ColumbusEducationFoundation. org to join the excitement.
Bring your family, make a memory, start a tradition and get ready to answer questions like, “How does 3,500 ducks fit in the river?” The curiosity and excitement of these students remind us that each duck purchased— and every classroom grant awarded—ignites imagination and brings joyful learning to life.
Support the Duck Derby and help turn students’ wonders and teachers’ innovative ideas into real- l ife learning adventures.
