For those of you who are not familiar with Reading Counts, Reading Counts is a program designed to encourage our children to read. We have a Reading Counts library (Portable #39 - serves as the PTA room as well) where the children can come to check out books to take home and read. Each book has points associated with it. Once the child has completed reading the book, they are asked to take a computer based test to check comprehension. If they pass the test, they receive the points associated with the book. Every month, we hand out prizes to those children who meet the minimum monthly total points assigned to their grade level.
- 1st grade – 5 points required per month
- 2nd grade – 10 points required per month
- 3rd grade – 15 points required per month
- 4th grade – 20 points required per month
- 5th grade - 20 points required per month
For the children with the top three point totals, special prizes such as teacher for the day, skip a spelling test, buddy pass, and homework pass, are available. The children take their Reading Counts tests in the classroom. The only activity that occurs in the Reading Counts room is the checking out and checking in of books. At any given time, there could be 20+ students in the room needing assistance with checking in/out books. That is where the volunteers come in.
The Reading Counts room is open during the following hours:
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday – 11:00 – 12:30 & 1 – 2.
We are not open Thursdays, since it is planning day with early dismissal.
We try to have three people scheduled to work the Reading Counts room on each of the days and shifts we’re open.
Ideally, as a volunteer, you would pick one day you can commit to work every week. I know that is asking a lot and I know at times, we may have to readjust the schedule, but if possible, if you could pick one day that works best for your schedule, I would greatly appreciate it. Another option which is becoming popular, is to share a shift. Two people can commit to working one day a week, alternating every week, so you are committing to twice a month as opposed to four times a month. And we are always in need of last minute substitutes who can fill in on an as needed basis, when others can't come in to work their shift. Any help you can give would be great. We will be starting the Reading Counts program Monday, October 5th.
