The children are VERY excited about the medals they receive for reading. Not only are the students wearing the medals, but I have seen parents wearing them, too. I saw a cashier at a store wearing 7 medals, and I asked her, ‘Is that a 100 Book Challenge medal?’ The woman held it up and said, ‘It sure is, honey!’ She has 2 or 3 children in the program.
—Assistant Superintendent, Camden City School District, NJ
A quiet young fifth grader became our school’s first 100 Step medal winner. His peers cheered for him when his name was announced over the loud speaker. Everyone began asking each other what step they were on. Then they started sharing their favorite books and helping each other. When we bought this program we did not anticipate the collegial spirit it would inspire and the truest sense of community. Our kids are really loving reading!
—Wissahickon Charter School, PA
I can honestly say this is one of the most outstanding programs we have ever implemented. It is amazing how the enthusiasm for this program has filtered into our entire community.
—Joyce A. Westgate, Director of Humanities, Binghamton City School District, NY
The reading atmosphere at our school has drastically changed since implementing Action 100. We read everywhere. Kids and teachers are excited about reading. The two most important pieces are the amount of time that students spend reading and the conferencing that takes place between teachers and students. Parents that are reinforcing this reading at home have said that it has truly changed their students’ lives. One of our parents that has a student with a disability stopped by to tell me that for the first time in her son’s life, he is able to carry on a conversation with her. She truly believes that it is because of all the vocabulary that he has been exposed to in the books he reads every day.
—Angela Gordon, Principal, Oscar J. Pope Elementary, FL
I’m excited to hear students talking about their reading goals and accomplishments, and seeing the school become a community of readers.
—Suzan C. Kaupa, Reading Coach, St. Lucie County School District, FL