Thomas County first and second graders at Garrison-Pilcher Elementary School are encouraged to read books of their own choosing through celebrations, accountabilities, and incentive programs.

To kick off the 2021-22 Accelerated Reader academic year, students participated in an annual “Reading Rally.”  COVID restrictions limiting large group gatherings and travel between the Thomas County Central High School and Garrison-Pilcher Elementary caused students to celebrate a little differently this year. Students visited the media center with their homeroom classes and received a children’s book autographed by various TCCHS football players along with a snack bag to enjoy during the virtual reading rally they would watch afterwards in their classrooms. Media Specialist Elexis Griffin and library support teacher Victoria Crosby ramped up the excitement by ringing bells and cheering on the kids in advance of their hard work.

The virtual reading rally was previously filmed and included TCCHS football players individually introducing themselves by telling the young students their jersey numbers and positions on the football team and sharing the sentiment, “Keep reading!” The TCCHS Marching Band played the school fight song, and cheerleaders were featured yelling cheers and performing stunts.

"I was sad that the students couldn't enjoy an in-person AR Reading Rally, but we celebrated in a different way and they seemed to have a great time," said Mrs. Griffin.

At the end of each nine weeks, the Media Center hosts AR Parties to reward students who have met their AR Goals.  AR goals are set according to each student’s reading level, the number of books read, and average scored on Accelerated Reader tests taken by the student. 

On a monthly basis, students can see short-term rewards by cashing in Wee Bee Bucks at the AR Store.  Information was shared about the new AR Store with parents to encourage their students to read their books at night, help them read if needed, and remind them to take their tests daily. Students can decide to save up their Wee Bee Bucks for something big, or they can cash in during each AR Store monthly visit.  Principal Amy Tyson and Assistant Principal Ashley Lane were on hand at the first AR Store event at the end of September.  Some students didn’t get to cash in the first time, but the desire to earn Wee Bee Bucks has already proven to be an incentive that is persuading students to make reading a priority.

Opportunities for students to frequently and independently visit the library last year were impacted by COVID-19 restrictions.  Since students are able to come to the library more often, there has been an increase in STAR reading levels which correlates with the Accelerated Reading program. 

Captions:  

AR Virtual Pep Rally:  Garrison-Pilcher first graders line the hallway in anticipation of entering the Media Center at the start of their group's Accelerated Reader Reading Rally. 

AR Store:  Garrison-Pilcher Principal Amy Tyson shares the possible items that can be purchased with "Wee Bee Bucks" earned through achievement towards Accelerated Reader goals.  

AR Store Wee Bucks:  Garrison-Pilcher first grader Jaidon Hill shows off her Wee Bee Buck that she plans to redeem at the AR Store.