Reading program accelerates at Sparta Middle School

Sparta —The Accelerated Reader Program at the Sparta Middle School is off to a great start and media specialist Jennifer Caputo couldn’t be happier. “We’ve had over 130 students participate in the program and we are expecting more with each marking period,” said Caputo. The Accelerated Reader Program is designed to encourage students to read. Each book on the program is assessed a point value based on certain criteria, such as level of difficulty. The students read a book then go to the Media Center to take a computerized quiz on that book. They earn points based on how they score on their quiz. They accumulate their points to earn prizes in the program as a reward for their reading efforts. “Our prizes are fantastic,” stated Caputo. “They have been made possible through the generosity of the PTO and the Media Staff: Nancy Bartling, Marsha Dickerson and Judy Lynch. “We’d also like to take this opportunity to acknowledge the generosity of Sparta Lanes, Villa Capri II, Lake Mohawk Bagels, Dunkin’ Donuts and Sparta Books for their generous donations to our program. They have been wonderful supporters and we thank them!” Another fun feature of the program is the end of year pizza party, held in the Media Center. Students have lunch with the administration and the MC staff to celebrate the reading they accomplished. Caputo added, “We are promoting literacy in a fun way and our students are reading, what could be better?” The Accelerated Reader Program is open to all middle school students. Any student interested in participating should stop by the Media Center.