Middle school students from across Papillion La Vista Community Schools brought home impressive results at the ESU3 Battle of the Books Competition, with every PLCS team placing in at least two categories from a field of 14 competing metro-area teams. Students from Liberty Middle School, Papillion Middle School, and La Vista Middle School all participated in the regional event.

Battle of the Books challenges students to read a shared list of ten books throughout the school year and then demonstrate their knowledge and creativity through competitive projects. At this year's ESU3 competition, students tackled challenges spanning three disciplines: technology, writing, and performance — each requiring them to engage with the texts in a different and imaginative way.

The across-the-board success of PLCS teams reflects the commitment students and their educators brought to the program all year. Reading deeply, thinking critically about literature, and translating that understanding into polished creative work in multiple formats is no small feat — and PLCS students rose to the challenge at every school.

Battle of the Books represents the kind of learning that extends well beyond a single subject or class period. By reading widely, collaborating with peers, and presenting their ideas in varied formats, students develop communication, analytical, and creative skills that will serve them throughout their academic careers and beyond.