June 2000

Just in time for summer vacation -- and summer reading -- we salute the Huntington School District in Baker County.

BACKGROUND: Two years ago Huntington Elementary staff planned Read and Run to Disney where students run laps or read for credit toward a trip to Disneyland. The school partnered with local businesses Ash Grove Cement, Carefree Travel and Disneyland to rally student and parent support. The year-end winner, based on points and a final drawing of the top achievers, won a trip to Disneyland. Last year they added DEAR (Drop Everything And Read). "Our goal is to do an incentive program each year," said Principal Gerald Hopkins.

READ AND RUN

HOW READ AND RUN WORKS: The run is charted on a large map in the hall and students select the highway they intend to follow. They write to chambers of commerce along the course and get information and community activities. Students enter their names for a drawing for a two-day trip to Disneyland. Top runners and readers are entered and one student is chosen and joined by their parents, teacher and principal for the trip. Carefree Travel made travel arrangements and Ashgrove Cement helped with lodging. Throughout the year, however, drawings are held and other prizes are given each month for the top three performers in reading and running. Kids receive patches, pizza, t-shirts, movie and dinner with the principal Gerald Hopkins -- and a ride in a hot air balloon. All elementary students participated.

OBJECTIVES: The major goal of the reading portion is to increase student reading achievement; to create more interest in recreational reading and materials; and to develop independent reading skills. The running is to not only increase physical fitness but improve playground behavior.

RESULTS: There has been significant growth and reading based on state tests, according Principal The ideas boost reading achievement and recreational reading, according to Hopkins, who was Huntington Elementary Principal last year. "Overall, our reading scores took a nice jump," he said. "The Disney incentive also promoted physical fitness and positive playground behavior. Kids were excited; they could see where they were on the map.

Hopkins credits Paul Alder, fifth-six grade teacher, with planning the program.

DEAR (DROP EVERYTHING AND READ)

Huntington’s Drop Everything And Read program has the same goals --- to improve achievement in reading and motivate "fun" reading, too. "Teachers spent countless hours improving our instructional reading program," said Supt. Gerald Hopkins. "They’ve identified the necessary skills, evaluated materials and developed teacher-made materials. As a result of many workshops and evaluations, we created DEAR, based on an expanded awards system."

HOW DEAR WORKS: Students earn patches for each 25 books read based on the student’s recreational reading level. In a more advanced book, 100 pages may count as one book. Awards include:

1. 25 books --- Patch

2. 50 books --- Patch

3. 100 books --- School patch

4. 150 books --- Certificate and pencil

5. 200 books --- Enjoy pizza party and movie at school

6. 400 books --- T-shirt

7. 450 books --- Lunch on the principal

8. 500 books --- Trophy

9. 550 books --- Movie/dinner with principal

10. 600 books --- Ride in hot air balloon