At the Races

The Accelerated Reader Program (AR) will begin at Ocee on September 14th.  AR is a computerized reading comprehension program that combines technology and research to motivate and increase independent reading.  The 32-week program, sponsored by the PTA, is offered to first through fifth graders.  AR is an optional enrichment program, but all students are encouraged to participate in order to build reading and comprehension skills.  To make the program more fun and engaging for the students, we use a racing theme to track progress.  The rules and procedures for the program are as follows:

Start Your Engines

1. A student either reads or has a book read to him/her from the Accelerated Reader book list.  This list of over 6,000 books is on the Ocee Elementary website:  www2.fultonschools.org/school/Ocee/MainFrame.htm.  A copy of the list is also located at the Spruill Oaks Library and the Ocee Regional Library.  AR books are located in the classroom, the Media Center, and at local public libraries.  AR books in the Media Center will have both an Orange Dot and a Blue AR sticker on the spine.  The reading level of the book is listed on the inside of the front cover.  School librarians are helpful in assisting students with AR book selections. 

2.  In order to assist your child with book selection, second through fifth graders will be taking a Star Reader assessment at school over the next few weeks.  This test determines your child's independent reading level, which is sometimes lower than your child's instructional reading level at school.  Parents will be informed of their student's reading level so they can help in choosing books.  Students may read books at any AR reading level, though it is suggested that they read on or around their current reading level.

3. After reading a book a student can take a computerized test, answering simple multiple-choice questions that check recall of basic facts and events in the book.  Students may test in the school's computer lab before school from 7:15-7:40 a.m.  Teachers will determine the best times for taking tests on the computers in their classroom. 

4. After completing the test, the student receives a point score based on the difficulty level of the book, and the number of questions he/she answers correctly. The computer keeps track of each student's points, reading level and test percentages.  This is valuable information for teachers, as well as the basis for various rewards at school. 

Victory Lane

Students who participate will find a racecar with their name on the Accelerated Reader Racetrack in the hall outside the gym.  Students' racecars will be advanced to the next lap based on earned points.  Students will receive special incentives when they move to the next lap.  Top participants will receive additional recognition.  Furthermore, classes will be rewarded for 100% participation. 

Please encourage your children to take part in this fun and rewarding program and most importantly,

Join the Race and Read!

Racetrack Points by Grade

	1st lap	2nd lap	3rd lap	4th lap	5th lap	All Stars
1st grade	up to 2.9pts	3 to 9.9 pts	10 to 22.9pts	23 to 39.9pts	40 to 69.9pts	70+ pts
2nd grade	up to 4.9pts	5 to 19.9pts	20 to 39.9pts	40 to 59.9pts	60 to 89.9pts	90+ pts
3rd grade	up to 7.9pts	8 to 24.9pts	25 to 49.9pts	50 to 79.9pts	80 to 119.9pts	120+ pts
4th grade	up to 9.9pts	10 to 29.9pts	30 to 54.9pts	55 to 89.9pts	90 to 139.9pts	140+ pts
5th grade	up to 11.9pts	12 to 34.9pts	35 to 59.9pts	60 to 99.9pts	100 to 149.9pts	150+ pts

Rewards

1. For lap 1, the student's car is placed on the track.
2. For lap 2, the student receives a pencil and a Shane's Rib Shack Coupon Bookmark.
3. For lap 3, the student receives an Ice Cream Coupon for the cafeteria.
4. For lap 4, the student receives an Ocee Otter Water Bottle. 
5. For lap 5, the student will be allowed to choose one reward off of the rewards list shown below.
6. For All Stars Level, the student will receive a ribbon and additional recognition at the All Stars celebration which is held at the end of the program in May.
7. Students will receive an award each time they move forward to the next lap.
8. The Racetrack will be updated every 4-5 weeks and students will move up based on points only.
9. Students must read one book and pass the test (70%) to be placed on the racetrack.

Rewards List for Lap 5

1. Afternoon announcements with Principal (2 days)
2. Behind the scenes tour with the Assistant Principal
3. Homeroom Teacher (1/2 day)
4. Admin Team Office Assistant (1 hour)
5. Art Assistant (1/2 day)
6. PE Assistant (1/2 day)
7. Music Assistant (1/2 day)
8. Guest Reader for K or 1st grade class (only available to 2nd through 5th)
9. Lunch with teacher of your choice (teacher must be in grade level or specials)
10. Lunch with the Principal
11. Lunch with the Counselor
12. Lunch and a book discussion with the Media Specialist
13. AR spotlight on Otter Talk, Guest Appearance and Book Review

AR Calendar

Sept 11	Presentations in 1st grade classrooms	Feb 5	4th period ends
Sept 14	Program Begins	Feb 12	Update track
Oct 16	1st period ends	Mar 11	5th period ends
Oct 23	Update track	Mar 18	Update track
Nov 20	2nd period ends	Apr 2	Last day for tests in Lab
Dec  2	Update track	Apr 23	6th period ends (Program ends)
Dec 18	3rd period ends	Apr 30	Update track – Final
Jan 8	Update track	May 19	Final Celebration for All-Stars

If you have questions concerning the AR program, please contact us.