The Putnam County Junior High School sixth-grade students participated in the Rebecca Caudill Young Reader’s Award program. This Illinois award is determined by student votes. This award encourages students to read for personal satisfaction and develops a statewide awareness of outstanding children’s literature. The book “Unstoppable” was chosen, as being the favorite among the sixth-grade participants out of the 20 books.
This program was introduced to the students through a cooperative effort among Amy Carboni’s sixth-grade classes and Debbie Thompson PCJH media paraprofessional. A special thank you goes to the Putnam County Educational Foundation for approving the grant that helped pay for copies of the books and the treats for the party. A thank you also goes to Annette Davis for helping with this program. She took the time to pick up all the treat items and came down to help with the party. Thank you to Carl Carlson and Jay McCracken for supporting this program. Casey’s General Store made the cookies for the party. After each student reads one of the books, they must pass the accelerated reader test, and then fill out a story balloon. A balloon report helps the student understand the parts of the novel.
After reading and reporting on three Rebecca Caudill books, the student receives a certification stating they are eligible to vote for the Rebecca Caudill Young Reader’s Book Award.
On Thursday, Feb. 19, 11 students voted; a total of 123 books have been read so far. Students were treated to cookies, soda, ice cream and toppings in celebration of Rebecca Caudill’s February birthday. Any sixth-grader who reads all 20 of the Rebecca Caudill books will have their name engraved on a plaque to be displayed at the school in honor of this accomplishment. Students have until May 1 to meet the requirements to have their name on the plaque.
Congratulations to all of the fine readers at PCJH! We are proud of you. Keep up the good work.
Debbie Thompson, PCJH media paraprofessional
McNabb