South Effingham Elementary School is celebrating Children’s Book Week with a family reading and fitness challenge, a family reading night and the school’s first 5K race and one-mile fun run.

The theme for South Effingham Elementary’s 29th annual Children’s Book Week is, “Give Me Five!”

Even though reading is at the heart of CBW, the school recognizes that a healthy body and family togetherness are key elements in a healthy mind. Therefore, SEES is focusing on five areas: reading, fitness, fun, community and goals.

Along with several programs during the school day, South Effingham Elementary is hosting three family-oriented events. The first, a month-long family reading and fitness challenge, is already under way.

Through Nov. 22, SEES families are challenged to spend time each week reading, playing and participating in community events. One participating family will win a drawing for a $100 Walmart gift card.

SEES will host a low-cost pizza supper on Nov. 15 from 5:15-6 p.m., followed by a family reading night from 6-7:30 p.m. All of the reading night activities will be free of charge.

The activities will include book character bingo, a bookmark craft station, book obstacle course, interactive book station, story time station, book grab-bag walk, and a camp can-do station. A PTO raffle will also be held.

The following morning, SEES will have its first 5K race/one-mile fun run. The fun run will begin at 8 a.m. and the 5K race at 8:45, starting from South Effingham Elementary and winding through adjacent neighborhoods.

The race theme, "Healthy Minds and Bodies: One Step at a Time," ties in with the CBW theme. There will be first-, second- and third-place medals for all ages.

Race packet distribution begins at 7:30 the morning of the race. Race maps, entry fees and entry forms are available on the SEES Web site, http://www.effinghamschools.com/sees.