Dear Parents and Guardians,
The Get LoSt in Books Reading Incentive Program was so successful last year that we are repeating the event! Studies have shown that students who read books are more successful in life. Our goal, therefore, is to encourage students to read independently by introducing them to variety of reading materials that are appealing to middle school students. We are again choosing the 20 award winning Lone Star books for this reason. The Lone Star is comparable to the state’s elementary level Bluebonnet books. And I have to say, that this year’s chosen books are awesome!!
When students read selected books, they will earn points. The challenge is to read all 20 of the 2009-2010 Lone Star award winning books. Different prizes will be offered for various levels achieved by each individual– from a pencil or bookmark to the grand prizes of a shopping trip to a local bookstore and/or going off-campus for lunch with Mrs. Wright! A more thorough listing of the prizes for each level is posted in the library. A listing of the 20 current Lone Star books is provided on the back of this letter.
The SBEC Library is the main sponsor of this program by supplying the books for students to check out as well as keeping track of students’ points. The library has a minimum of 5 copies of each of the 20 current Lone Star books for student check-out. These also could be obtained from your local public library if your child is finding it hard to get their hands on a book at school. To add flexibility, students will also be able to read other award winning books although the points they earn will be less. The program officially kicks off this week of Sept. 14 and will conclude on Friday, Jan. 8, 2010. This is strictly an independent reading program and the students will still be required to read their usual classroom novels.
What can you do as a parent?
v Encourage your child to participate first of all! The more students participating, the more fun for all! You might even try reading some of the books – they are quite good! I have personally read all 20 myself. My personal favorites are the Hunger Games and Unwind - both science fiction novels.
v Sign the students’ books submission forms for books read at home! Sign only forms for books that you have seen your child actively reading or ask them a couple of questions about the book to ensure that they indeed have read the book. All books should be read within the time frame of the program (now through Jan. 8, 2010) with the exception of the 20 current Lone Star books. These they could begin reading this past summer and I will explain to the students how they can get their credit for pre-reading. For books read at school, students may get their LA teacher’s signature on the book form.
A more thorough overview of the program has been presented to the Cornerstone students during library time. If you have any questions you may ask your child or contact me via e-mail, susan.tallerine@springbranchisd.com or phone at 713.251.1500 EXT 1527.
Sincerely,
Susan Tallerine, Librarian Jill H. Wright, Director
Spring Branch Education Center Cornerstone Academy