"Books are the quietest and most constant of friends; they are the most accessible and wisest of counsellors, and the most patient of teachers."

-Charles W. Eliot (1834-1926), The Happy Life, 1896

About AR

Accelerated Reader is an individualized reading program which promotes independent reading and comprehension skills.  Individualized goals are set for each student by averaging the student's test scores on ITBS and STAR tests.

Each student is given a "point goal" to earn each quarter, and a reading range (ZPD - Zone of Proximal Development).  Students are asked to select books in their ZPD.

Our Middle School library has a large selection of books (over 1,600) that are used in the AR program.  Each library book is labeled with the points it is worth and the reading level.  Students use these labels to help them select books within their reading skill level.

After reading the student-selected book, a computerized test is taken on the book.  Most books have 10 question quizzes.  Students pass with 60% comprehension.  Points are pro-rated as to the percentage of the correct answers.  For instance, a student testing on an 8 pt. book who answered 9 questions correctly might earn 7.2 pts.

AR counts towards 25% of their total reading grade.  This can have a significant effect on the student's reading grade:  For instance, a student who does not participate at all (receiving a zero) will see their reading grade drop 2 levels (C to F), or if a student achieves only 50% of his/her goal, the grade will drop 1 level (C to D).

Most students are very successful using this individualized program.  It requires responsibility and wise use of time by every student - excellent qualities to develop in our students.

Awards and Recognition

"You have to have confidence in your ability, and then be tough enough to follow through."

-Rosalynn Carter (1927- )

Students who earn 100 points within the school year earn a field trip celebration - in the past we have enjoyed going to the Ranch Amusement Park in Okoboji.  We have averaged approximately 90 students each year earning this fun afternoon away from school.

Throughout the school year students are recognized for their personal AR achievement with a variety of rewards and recognitions.

Students who earn 300 points in one year earn a photo spot on Mrs. Heerdt's "300 Point Wall of Fame."

Record Setters

"If you have a talent, use it in every which way possible.  Don't hoard it.  Don't dole it out like a miser.  Spend it lavishly like a millionaire intent on going broke."

-Brendan Francis

Total Points for Middle School Achievement

'03-'04.............14,420 Points

'02-'03.............14,376 Points

'01-'02.............16,390 Points

'00-'01.............14,686 Points

'99-'02.............14,459 Points

'98-'99.............10,400 Points

'97-'98...............4,000 Points

Highest Class Points

1. '01-'02 6th Grade:  5,956 Points

2. '00-'01 6th Grade:  5,936 Points

3. '02-'03 8th Grade:  5,462 Points

4. '01-'02 7th Grade:  5,425 Points

5. '99-'00 7th Grade:  5,368 Points

6. '02-'03 7th Grade:  5,230 Points

    '03-'04 8th Grade:  5,230 Points

7. '01-'02 8th Grade: 5,008 Points

8. '99-'00 6th Grade:  4,931 Points

9. '00-'01 7th Grade:  4,397 Points

10. '00-'01 8th Grade:  4,354 Points

Top 10 Highest Points Achieved In 1 Year

1. 672.8 Susannah Gafkjen '02-'03 (6th Grade)

2. 652.7 Betsy Brugman '99-'00 (6th Grade)

3. 541.0 Kaelyn Heikens '00-'01 (6th Grade)

4. 540.6 Erica Geerdes '03-'04 (6th Grade)

5. 539.6 Kyle Kunzmann '00-'01 (6th Grade)

6. 513.0 Whitney Thorne '99-'00 (7th Grade)

7. 458.6 Kyle Kunzmann '01-'02 (7th Grade)

8. 451.1 Brittany Montgomery '01-'02 (8th Grade)

9. 448.6 Kaelyn Heikens '01-'02 (7th Grade)

10. 433.9 Katie Adolf '99-'00 (8th Grade)

Most Points Earned In One Quarter

1. 292.6 Susannah Gafkjen

2. 220.7 Susannah Gafkjen

3. 218.3 Katie Adolf

4. 209.2 Kyle Kunzmann

5. 208.0 Whitney Thorne

6. 195.5 Erica Geerdes

7. 183.6 Susannah Gafkjen

8. 174.7 Betsy Brugman

9. 170.9 Erica Geerdes

10. 164.1 Kaelyn Heikens

Highest Percentage Of Goal Earned In One Quarter

(These are students who read far beyond

the goal set for them)

1. 910% Kyle Kunzmann

2. 867% Whitney Thorne

3. 765% Tim Berberich

4. 736% Susannah Gafkjen

5. 732% Susannah Gafkjen

6. 678% Kyle Kunzmann

7. 631% Erica Geerdes

8. 617% Erika Hildreth

9. 612% Susannah Gafkjen

10. 611% Amber Dahlman