By By Steve Gillespie/The Meridian Star
Sept. 13, 2001
Students at St. Patrick School released 165 balloons last week to officially kick off their Accelerated Reading Program for the 2001-2002 school year.
Helium balloons of red, blue, yellow, purple and orange were let go by all students on the school's campus in keeping with the program's "Rainbow of Reading" theme.
Each balloon released carried a note that asked its finder to call the school to encourage the students to read and to dispose of the balloon correctly.
As of Wednesday the school received a 30 percent response rate.
The Accelerated Reading Program is in its seventh year at St. Patrick. Students read a book from the library, and take a computerized test on the book, earning points based on their scores.
At the end of the school year, students who reach their personal point goal will cash their reading points in for items, that include posters, t-shirts, small toys and novelties, at the school's "Point Store." If the school goal for points is reached, St. Patrick Principal, Julie Bordelon, will perform a student-devised "silly stunt."
Steve Gillespie is a staff writer for The Meridian Star. Call him at 693-1551, ext. 3233, or e-mail him at sgillespie@themeridianstar.com.