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Accelerated Reader Program
The Accelerated Reader program is designed to motivate children to read
longer, harder books, thereby increasing their reading skills.
This is done by having computer tests for certain books. When
students pass these tests, they get points, which will earn them rewards
such as prizes and parties, and in some cases, grades. Hill
Country Library has 4,755 tests, in a wide range of reading levels,
beginning at 1st grade level. Kinder students do test, but most
need to have the book read to them, and then they need help reading the
test questions. Sometimes parents volunteer to help the kinder
students test -- ask the kinder teachers if they need help with this.
We recommend that a child read
a picture book at least two times before testing on it. Students
reading chapter books need to pay attention to what they are reading.
When testing on a book, students must get 3 out of 5, or 6 out of 10
questions right in order to get any points.
The test list for tests
available is in a binder in the HCE Library and also at the
Lakehills and Kronkosky (Bandera) Libraries. The list is
different for each school. It is arranged in alphabetical
order by title, and also by reading level. Someday we hope to
get the list on the website.
Third, fourth and fifth
grade students are required to sign this Honor Code before
participating in the AR program:
Honor Code Pledge
I,
______________________, understand that the value of the Accelerated
Reader program is the reading, not the points. I promise to read a
book, or listen to someone else read a book, before I test on it. I
will take tests only for myself, never for someone else, and I will
not share questions or answers with anyone else, or use the book
when testing. I will not tell another student my password, or
try to access someone else's account. If I see someone else violating these principles, I
will tell the teacher or librarian. If I am caught cheating, I know
I will lose my points and testing privileges for a six-week period.
We are proud of our AR testers at Hill Country,
and we want to make sure the program means our students really are
Accelerated Readers!
Texas Bluebonnet Award
This program is for 3rd,
4th and 5th grades. Every year the Texas Library Association
nominates 20 new books for this award. Students have to read at
least 5 of the books in order to vote for their favorite at the end of
January. The vote totals are sent in to the state office, and a
state-wide, student-selected winner is announced. Most award books
are selected by adults. This program allows students to pick their
favorite. To see the list, click on
Texas Bluebonnet Award.
This year's winner has been announced -- it's Ghost Fever by
Joe Hayes.
Ready, Set,
Read! & Take the Lead,
Read!
Kindergarten and 1st-grade
students participate in these programs to encourage reading at home.
Each must fill out and return a sheet to get a prize at the library.
Kindergarten students must read 20 books (only list 2 per day) to
complete their sheet. First graders must read 20 nights, for
at least 10 minutes and preferably 15 or 20 minutes. When
kinder students complete 5 sheets, they get their picture on a
bulletin board. First graders need to complete 4 sheets to get
their picture posted. The students really enjoy getting their
prizes, but the real prize is that they are learning the joy of
reading, and enjoying some quality family time.
Book Fairs
We have two Scholastic
Book Fairs scheduled this school year. The first one is from
Friday, Oct. 31st, through Monday, Nov. 10th, 2008. The second one is
from Friday, March 20th through Monday, March 30th. (There will
probably be a 3rd half-price fair at the end of May -- dates to be
announced.) Students visit the book fair during their
regularly scheduled specials class and fill out a "wish list," which is a way to let
parents know some of the items available. There is no obligation
to purchase any item on a "wish list." Then students can return to
the book fair throughout the day at their teacher's discretion, or come
before or after school with their parents. Proceeds from the book
fair are used for Accelerated Reader prizes, party supplies,
motivational items, and books from non-standard vendors. PTO
volunteers mainly run the book fair, and we couldn't do it without them!
Teachers also make a "wish list" -- if you want to purchase a book for
your child's classroom, look for the display.
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