August 2016 Dear Parents,

Attached you will find your child’s new reading log for the first quarter. As you review it, please note the following information:

- All of our Accelerated Reader (AR) books are marked with a book level, number of points, and in most cases the quiz number. Your child should be reading books within the guidelines stated. PLEASE NOTE THEIR FICTION AND NON-FICTION LEVELS. Fiction books and non-fiction books have different levels – non-fiction books and their AR tests are a bit harder than fiction books. When visiting the school library, we will require them to select books within their reading level range. In turn, please help your child select books within this range. It has been our experience that AR chapter books of no more than four points are most appropriate for second graders.

- In second grade, your child will have a goal for AR reading. This goal is 1 test per week on a book of the appropriate level and number of points , with a score of 80% or better. (If a child takes a test and scores lower that 80%, another test will need to be taken to count for that week.) Those who are capable will be expected to read chapter books. We feel this is an attainable goal that encourages the children to continually practice their independent reading. The week of Standardized Testing, and weeks with only 3 days of school will be “Bonus Weeks”, meaning that no test will be required for that week for students whose weekly goal has been attained. At school, we give constant reminders to the children about reading AR books and taking the accompanying test. Please help your child by encouraging him/her to read and test in order to meet or (even better) surpass this goal. Remember, meeting the AR goal is part of their Reading grade for the quarter.

- Your child’s reading log is a running history of the books they have read and test scores they have received each quarter. When your child takes an AR test, he/she should have this log. It is important, therefore, that they keep this log in their school folder so they can bring it to the computers when they test. It is important that the children become familiar with this procedure. In grades 3, 4, 5, etc., they will be using a similar log to record their reading and testing activity. Please help your child by returning the log to their school folder after reviewing their results. Please do not keep this log at home. We need it at school. Your help in filling out the title of the book would be greatly appreciated. Children will be allowed to take no more than one AR test per day.

If you have any questions or need further information about any of these items, please let us know.

Thank you for your support!

Mrs. Bonnie Franks Mrs. Patti Kusky