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Thompson Falls Elementary students had a little spring in their step last Monday morning as they kicked off the Running Start reading program with a jog around the playground.

The program is presented by the Thompson Falls Woman's Club (TFWC). Elementary principal Len Dorscher said the program has been part of the school year since the 90s and joked that they have tried to figure out how long it has been going on but no one seems to know the exact year it started. "They are really supportive of all of you and they are a great group," Dorscher told the kids about the TFWC.

Elementary students take a lap around the playground for the Running Start reading program kickoff.

For the month of April, students will track their reading. For every 21 chapters or books they read, students get an entry into a drawing. During the month, TFWC members and community members will visit the school and read with students. When the program is celebrated at the end of the month, one student from each grade will win a Kindle tablet. The prizes are sponsored by Valley Banks and First Security Bank, said Marsha Hart with TFWC. "I wish we would have had this program when I taught," Hart said Monday as the kids finished their lap around the playground.

Lorri Renard with TFWC said they have nearly 30 members and noted that different members have different talents. "Together we do a lot," she noted. "We love doing this. It's not a have to," said TFWC member Lesley Fagerberg.

Hart, Faberberg, Renard and Pam Dombach, all with TFWC, cheered the kids on during their lap and welcomed them at the finish line with high fives and smiles.