Reading Olympics at Wissahickon Middle School

On April 19^th, 2007, Wissahickon Middle School was the site of the 8^th Annual Middle School Reading Olympic competition, sponsored by the Montgomery County Intermediate Unit. The goal of the Reading Olympics is to increase students' reading for enjoyment. Students collaborate with their teammates to read forty- five books that have been selected by a committee of librarians, reading specialists and classroom teachers. These professionals read the books and write questions which teams of students answer during the competition. The Olympics are primarily a celebration of reading rather than a contest. All participants are awarded ribbons. Since the teams generate much excitement about this event, the experience is rewarding for everyone involved. During end of the year Awards Ceremonies, each student will be presented with a ribbon, certificate and a voucher for a ticket to a Philadelphia Soul Arena League football game.

In attendance were 108 teams, with about 12 students per team, representing both private and public middle schools throughout the Montgomery County. Six teams proudly represented Wissahickon Middle School. The teams from Wissahickon were: in sixth grade, the Reading Idols coached by Nicole Stoneback and the Book Slugs coached by Christine Rineer; in seventh grade, the Salng Gang coached by Colleen Lesher/Kathy Donohue and the Page Flippers coached by Denise Holland; and in 8^th grade, the Lit Wits coached by Jen Smith and the Crazy 8’s coached by Joyce England-Gordon.

Beginning in November, each team met on their own time to prepare for the event. Congratulations to all student participants for your hard work and a job well done!

A special thanks to Katy Swetkowski, Peg Whelan, Dave Smith, Caeli Duke, Courtney Elliot, and Mary Shannon who volunteered as moderators and scorekeepers for the evening. Thanks also to the many WHS student volunteers who worked as guides.

If your child is interested in participating next year, sign up information will be available at the beginning of the 2007-2008 school year.

You can access a copy of the 2007-2008 Middle School list on the Wissahickon Middle School home page under Student Activities. Most local libraries have copies of the books of the list as well.