Mission: Possible

Reading & Writing Incentive Program

            The Woodland high school librarian and the junior high teachers are announcing a reading and writing program for young adults to be held during the fourth quarter of the 2009-2010 school year. In celebration of NASA’s fiftieth anniversary of the U.S. space program, we have created a program of literacy activities which we are calling Mission: Possible, to energize and support student efforts to read outside the classroom and to allow teens to obtain rewards for reading books. In keeping with our space theme, successful readers will be acknowledged with their own astronaut photos displayed in the junior high hallway to mark student progress toward meeting their reading goals.

            All students in grades seven and eight will have the opportunity to participate in this free reading incentive program. Books that are included in the program cover a wide range of reading levels to challenge the reading abilities of all students. Students will self-select books that interest them, read, and then take 10-question multiple choice computer quizzes. As students pass comprehension quizzes about their books, they will receive reading points. The number of points they earn will be determined by the number of pages and the difficulty of the book. Reading points may be traded for items such as bookmarks, books, movies, and candy. These reading incentive rewards will be distributed during and at the end of the program, and final reading achievement certificates will be sent to parents.

            Another component of literacy, in addition to reading, is writing. With this in mind, we are excited to announce that we will also be holding a writing contest in conjunction with the Mission: Possible program. Prizes valued at $30, $20, and $10 will be awarded to the top three entries.  Details of the contest are available on a printed flyer and on the library webpage.

            Our hope is that this Mission: Possible program will encourage our young adults to develop a habit of reading for knowledge and entertainment which they will continue during the summer. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me at 573-238-2663.

Laurel Schlief, MLS, EdS

High School Librarian