Rome Middle School students who reached their reading goals for the first nine weeks were treated to a special ice cream sundae celebration during school on Friday, October 29.
Provided by Julie Reid, Reading Incentive Program Director for Rome City Schools, 135 total students could be found loading down their ice cream-filled bowls with marshmallows, M&M’s, sprinkles, Oreo cookies, caramel syrup, whip cream, and more during this sweet event.
“The Ice Cream Sundae Party is our celebration for the first nine weeks, allowing students who participated in our ‘Reading Counts’ program a chance to celebrate a job well done,” explained Reid. “Student’s first reading goal was 200,000 words. They could also qualify by turning in five reading logs out of seven, signed by a parent or guardian, proving they read while at home.”
Reid and team have put together a special celebration every nine weeks to celebrate students meeting their reading goals.
For the next celebration, students will be able to earn a drawstring bag and a water bottle. During the third nine weeks, students can earn a t-shirt, and for the last nine weeks, students can earn a chance to attend a special field trip.
“Our goal for the next nine weeks is to double the number of students here to celebrate meeting their reading goals,” smiled Reid.
“We are off to a great start at all of the schools. In fact, this year is the first year we have had every single school in the system involved, even the Virtual Learning Academy (VLA), which is exciting,” she continued.
Facilitating the Reading Counts program at Rome Middle School is Instructional Coach, Dr. Rebecca Owens. Dr. Owens ensures that students are completing their reading goals, while also inspiriting them to go above and beyond when it comes to reading.
“I just want to thank all of our students for such an outstanding job this first nine weeks,” smiled Dr. Owens. “Every single one of them earned this celebration, and we are excited to continue moving forward as the year goes on.”
Congratulations, Wolves! And keep reading!!
