Summer Reading For Accelerated Readers At Reed

By Laurie Borst

While the halls of Reed Intermediate School are rather quiet this time of year, the Library/Media Center is abuzz with activity. The Accelerated Readers Summer Program is underway with about 30 students per day dropping in. The Accelerated Reader (AR) Program was begun by Librarian Ginny Snowden three years go.

In the AR summer program, students set a goal for how many points they will try to earn. Each book has a point value, from half a point to 100 points. Each student reads a book and then takes a test on the computer that asks for content information. If the student passes the test, those points count towards the goal.

Students earn incentives like pencils and bracelets as they reach different point levels. Each week, there is a drawing for bigger items like Borders gift certificates. Students who reach their goal will receive a trophy.

This summer, goals range from 5 to 180 points. One young man had set a goal for himself of 80 points, then read Theo’s Dream, written by Reed teacher Michelle Failla, which was worth 100 points. After passing the test, he decided he would increase his goal to 180 points.

The AR Summer Program is open to incoming fifth graders through outgoing sixth graders. The library is open Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday 9 am to 12:30 pm, and on Tuesday 3 to 6 pm. The last day for the program is July 27.

Ms Snowden is in the library three days a week and Joyce Kuzmick, Head O’ Meadow’s librarian, covers two days.

“It’s a very motivating program,” Ms Kuzmick said. “It’s a great transition for new kids to get to know an area of school before the start of the school year.”

On the morning of July 16, incoming fifth grader Melissa Watts and her mom, Judy, were enjoying their books.

“I joined the program because I really like reading and thought it would be fun to take the tests, and get 100,” said Melissa.

“So far, she has been getting 100 on the tests,” Mrs Watts said.

Melissa is reading Yonie Wondernose and her mom is reading The Way the Crow Flies. They enjoy their mornings in the library, and both also read a lot at home.

Mrs Watts said she also has a ninth grader who is playing freshman football which is keeping him very busy this summer. Her seventh grader spends time at home on the computer now, but did take part in the AR program two years ago.