Accelerated

Reader is a program that allows students to take computerized reading

comprehension tests on an extensive list of books. Each book included

in the test list is assessed for reading level and assigned points. The

point system takes into account both the reading level and the length

of the book.

A total of

451 students participated in the program at Peachtree City Elementary

with 260 achieving 100 percent of their reading goals, which were set

at the beginning of the school year. This year a new certification level

was added to the Accelerated Reader program that required students to

read both fiction and non-fiction books.

Six students

achieved the new certification: Mary Beth Jones, third grade; J.C. Williams,

second grade; Saharra Griffin, first grade; Sebastian Ferguson, second

grade; Billy Pemu, first grade and Kanto Matsuyama, second grade. Those

students, called Panther Readers Plus, earned themselves a front row spot

in the parade as well as tickets for a free meal from Chick-fil-A, the

school's newest business partner in education.

The students,

led by Grand Marshal and Fayette County Board of Education member Janet

Smola, paraded down to the Southland Nursing Home, which is next door

to the school, to greet the patients and staff who had gathered outside

to congratulate them for their hard work. Prior to the parade, Smola praised

the students and presented them with Dr. Seuss' book, "Oh the Places

You Will Go."

Huddleston's

parade was reserved for those students who achieved 100 percent or over

of their reading goal. Over 300 students met their 100 percent goal with

two students achieving 200 percent of their goals: Rachel Simmerman, third

grade and Andy Lucak, third grade. The McIntosh High School Drum Corp

led the 100 percent and over achievers on a victory lap around the school's

bus loop and afterwards each student in the parade received a medal recognizing

their accomplishments. Students who achieved 25, 50 and 75 percent of

their reading goals were also given awards during the celebration.

Huddleston

had 650 students who participated in this year's Accelerated Reader program.