Antwerp Elementary School initiated a schoolwide reading incentive program as part of the L.E.A.P. for Literacy McAuliffe Fellowship Project. The goal of the program was to encourage students to improve their reading skills by reading and earning stars for their reading. These stars were then used to earn incentives.

      The incentive program was set up for a "star" to have equal value across grade levels and yet be earned in a way that was appropriate for that grade level. Grades 3-6 use the Accelerated Reader (http://www.renlearn.com) reading program, so their stars were based on "points" earned by reading books and taking computer tests on the books. Preschool-Grade 2 based their points on supplemental and parent-partner reading.

      Our reading program was fashioned after Dr. Seuss and his Cat in a Hat. When a student earned his/her first star they were given a "hat" with their name on it to post in the hallway. As additional stars were earned, they were added to that child's hat.

      After every child in a classroom earned a hat, the class became "reading stars" and posted a hat with the class name in the front hallway. Students checked the Wall of Honor frequently to see which classes had achieved the goal.

      When every class earned their class hat, a schoolwide rally was held. Staff members got into the spirit of the day by wearing large red and white stovepipe hats and dressing as "Cats in the Hats". At this rally, our school goal of earning 6,000 stars was announced. Everyone sang songs about reading, listened to some stories, and were challenged to READ, READ, READ!

      The highlight of the rally was when the Big Cat in the Hat (also known as our elementary principal, Mr. Ray Etzler) accompanied by the Little Cat in the Hat (one of our elementary students) unveiled the eight foot tall hat that would be used to record our progress towards our 6,000 star goal.

      When incentives were chosen, the reading committee: Barb Wappes-preschool, Becca Kohart-preschool, Becky Schutt-first grade, Laurel Hopkins-second grade, Patti Kammeyer-McAuliffe Fellow, project director, third grade, Lynette Vail-third grade, Crystal Brooks-fourth grade, Robin McKibben-fifth grade, Holly Kobee-sixth grade, Shelia Webb-elementary guidance counselor and project assistant, Jennifer Knapp,-intervention teacher and project assistant, tried to select incentives that would not be too costly. The Antwerp PTO partnered with the program to provide financial support that was needed. The committee wanted the children to feel that their reading success was cause for celebration, so rewards were selected that were fun, worth working towards, and made children feel special.

      5 star award--On the last Friday of each month, the students who had earned five stars during that month were "awarded" a sports bottle to enjoy with their lunch. Students were then allowed to take the drink back to their room to enjoy throughout the afternoon.

      10 star award--The 10 star award was one of the most fun and sought after awards. After a student earned ten stars, they hung an ice cream cone with their name on it in the main hallway. Twice during the year a 100 foot long banana split was built and proud star earners got to dig in and enjoy. This event was recorded on the front page of area papers and made the local news channel as the "Good News" story of the day.

      15 stars--Students at this level attended a movie with elementary principal, Mr. Ray Etzler. Candy bar treats were provided by the PTO to make this event even "sweeter".

      25 stars--We wanted this level of achievement to be very significant so a Reading Hall of Fame was established. An 8x10 photo of each achiever was posted in a place of honor in the school's main hallway. Every person who walked through the hall was able to admire the achievement of these very committed, hard working, highly motivated elementary students.

      35 stars--The student's classroom teacher served the student his/her lunch. Teachers worked hard to be creative and make the student feel special during this activity. Festive table decorations were used as well as a gold tablecloth. Students sat at a special table, and other classmates and staff members stopped by to offer their congratulations.

      Schoolwide Goal--The highlight of the year was when the goal of 6,000 reading stars was met. This reward, a ride around town in a limo, was shared by every child in the elementary.

      The reading incentive program was a huge success! The program is being continued for the 2002-2003 school year. The theme for this year is "Read Across Ohio" in honor of Ohio's 200th birthday.