Leddi Luedecke reads in a cozy nook inspired by CEF.
COLUMBUS — 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.
The inviting environment— with comfortable seating, soft lighting, and easy-toaccess 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.
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.
“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.
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 delightful 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., May 16, at Beason Park. The first-place duck will win $1,000, with second- and third-place prizes of $500 and $250, respectively.
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.Support the Duck Derby and help turn students’ wonder and teachers’ innovative ideas into real-life learning adventures!
