Competition Fierce In Reading Super Bowl

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Sixth-grade students show their team spirit at the Reading Super Bowl
kickoff on January 3.

It wasn't a fire drill, and no assembly was planned.

So the sound of a whistle blowing in the fifth and sixth grade commons on December 12 puzzled the students. During their advisee period, students were summoned by Lower School Physical Education teacher Rocco Adrian and his whistle. They made their way to the Middle School Library where the looks on their faces clearly indicated that they didn't understand why Coach Roc was talking about pre-season and getting ready for the big game. Even the fact that they had been given permission to wear football jerseys and tee shirts with team logos did not seem to provide them with a clue. Finally Coach Roc gave them the answer: it was time to talk about the Super Bowl. The CCES Reading Super Bowl.

Middle School librarian
Kay Daniel created the
Reading Super Bowl with
Middle School Technology
teacher Karen Polstra.

Students were treated to a video of Super Bowl highlights, and learned the rules to a different kind of Super Bowl. Middle School librarian Kay Daniel, has challenged the students to "take to the field" and "score touchdowns" for their class. The coin toss took place on the first day back from Christmas break; it was the signal for the fifth and sixth grade students to begin their competition to accumulate points for each book read. After completing a book, students log into the Accelerated Reader program to take a quiz, with points awarded based on the number of correct answers, the reading level of the book, and the number of pages in the book.

Coaches and students at the Middle School Reading Super Bowl Kickoff.

Students will be encouraged in their reading by two coaches. Head CCES football coach Ashley Haskins, who led this year's varsity team to a regional championship, will coach the sixth grade, while Coach Roc, assistant varsity football coach and former captain of Furman University's football team, will coach the fifth grade. Each coach will periodically visit the Middle School to check on the score and motivate their teams. Coach Haskins even plans to bring team members from the varsity team to talk about some of their favorite books from Middle School.

Students can check their progress on the bulletin board in the atrium or receive updates on computer.

Currently it is a close game, with enthusiastic players pumped up for victory. As of January 16, the sixth grade is leading with 1,473 points over the fifth grade's total of 1,412. Stay tuned for the announcement of the winner at a tailgate party on February 2.

Until then, go, teams, go! And may victory belong to the most avid readers!