The quietude of the first-grade hallways before school starts this morning belies the feeling of frenzy in Friendswood as Team First gets ready for
Rocket Reader Day!
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| My Stars! See what happens with you exceed your goal. |
It's an explosive celebration of the astronomical kind because the first graders who met their reading goals (all of them) are now blasting off as Rocket Readers! This semester-long program requires that parents work with their child to set a goal for how many books he or she will read at home between February 1st and May 1st. I believe the minimum is 20, unless you're a new student during that time. In addition to reading, each student will complete a book report for each book. They even sign a contract! Once they've turned in the book report and presented it to the class, a star with the book's title and the child's name is placed on the bulletin board to track their progress.
Teachers wear their class total on their shirts; this year's Team First students had a collective total of just over 5000 book reports.
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| Aubrey happily shows her 50 stars! |
Started by first-grade teacher and team leader Margaret Limmer about ten years ago, this literacy launcher culminates in a celebration that lifted off this morning when our town's Mayor visited to read his proclamation
officially making today Rocket Reader Day in Friendswood!
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| Mayor Kevin Holland congratulates the Rocket Readers. |
The students who reach their goal (all of them!) each receive a Rocket Reader shirt with a number on the back representing how many books they read and reports they completed. They spent the day in educational centers (many of them barefooted for fun!) and enjoyed a special picnic lunch outside as part of what they earned for their achievements. One thing's for sure; these Rocket Reader Stars are going to sleep well tonight.
Sweet dreams!
How special that the mayor was part of this!
ReplyDelete❀ Tammy
Forever in First