AR Christmas Celebration
Congratulations to all of the Lawrence/Nelson and Sandy Creek Elementary and Junior High classes. Each class reached their District Goal or met a Class-Wide Improvement over the last nine weeks. The students have worked very hard to attain these goals. Combined the district students from Kindergarten to 8th grade have read 111 million words from over 17,250 books. During the last marking period, the district average for engaged (actual) reading time per day was around 20 minutes. Over the past nine weeks, on average, that time has been improved to over 45 minutes a day. This is a huge jump and the students' AR and STAR tests reflect this increase in their reading time.
In November students focused on Non-Fiction books for their monthly challenge. The first class at each site to meet the goal earned an Eileen's Cookie for the class. Reading non-fiction is an important goal that students need to work towards as they get older. The focus of their reading turns from novels, story type books, in elementary literature to non-fiction or fact based books in high school and college. Non-fiction books are more difficult to read and comprehend, but with help from classroom teachers and cheering on from other students, every class met a goal or had a classroom improvement.
In December the challenge turned towards a Christmas theme. Little did the staff or students know, but a great treat was soon to be in store. Most classes across the district met the district goal of reading 6 Christmas books in two weeks. Every class was required to read, "The Polar Express." The administration was informed that the students really liked this book, so much in fact...that they contacted the Conductor from the Polar Express, whom showed up to give each student a well earned golden ticket to hop on board the Polar Express Reading Bus and take a magical journey to watch his movie. The Crest Theatre in Superior was gracious enough to help over 440 students and staff enjoy the movie, pop and popcorn. It was a special surprise that required the hard work of many to pull it off. Thank you to all of the bus drivers, lunch ladies, paras and faculty for making this special day a great success. Much laughter and even a few tears of joys were shed as the students enjoyed their special day.
The day was finished off with a special treat...an "I Believe" silver bell cookie from Eileen's, as our special conductor friend shared with all, "I believe reading, does lead to succeeding."
Please remember to help your students continue to read over the Christmas Break. We all look forward to their 3rd Quarter Goal that will be beginning when we return to school at the beginning of January. Who knows what is in store for the third district celebration?