Special LMC Programs

Reading Incentive Programs

McCarty promotes three Reading Incentives per year.

Segment 1 – The first Reading Incentive program traditionally begins in October and runs for five weeks during which time students are requested to read 500 minutes. This Reading Incentive segment is sponsored by the McCarty PTA. For each 100 minutes read a student will receive a McCarty Mustang dollar (up to $5.00) which may be used toward the purchase of a book at the McCarty spring book fair.

Segment 2 – This Reading Incentive segment is sponsored by Six Flags Amusement Parks and starts in January. Those students who read and record 600 minutes during a six week period will receive a free ticket to a Great America Amusement Park.

Segment 3 – The final Reading Incentive segment is held in the spring and lasts for approximately four weeks. Students read minutes to run the bases.  For every 100 minutes read (to a maximum of 400 minutes) students earn prizes such as bookmarks, posters and coupons to area restaurants.  Students who read 400 minutes (which is a homerun) receive a coupon for a free ticket to a Kane County Cougars baseball game.

Young Authors’ Program

This program is sponsored by the State of Illinois and gives K-5 students an opportunity to create and submit an original story or form of poetry. One representative is selected from each classroom and grade level to attend a special McCarty School reception honoring Young Authors. One of these McCarty representatives will be selected to attend the State Young Authors’ Conference in Bloomington-Normal, IL in May.

Rebecca Caudill Young Reader’s Book Award

The Rebecca Caudill Young Reader’s Book Award is an annual award given to the book voted most outstanding by students in grades four through eight in participating Illinois schools. The award is named in honor of Rebecca Caudill who lived and wrote in Urbana, Illinois, for nearly 50 years. The award is given in recognition of her literary talent and the universal appeal of her books. Students in 4^th and 5^th grades are introduced to and given book talks on 20 titles nominated to receive this award. These titles represent outstanding literature chosen by a committee of teachers and librarians. Students reading at least 3 of the 20 titles are awarded the privilege to vote. Tallies are mailed to the state committee for counting and the award is announced in the spring.  For more information about the award and a list of the current nominees visit http://www.rebeccacaudill.org.

Monarch Emergent Reader’s Book Award

The Monarch Award is an annual award given to the author or illustrator of a book voted most outstanding by students in grades kindergarten through three in participating Illinois schools. “The Monarch Award is designed to encourage Illinois children to read critically and to become familiar with children’s books, authors and illustrators. This award is named for the Monarch Butterfly and symbolizes the growth, change and freedom that characterize the emergent reader.” Students in grades K-3 will be introduced to the twenty nominees through book talks and read alouds. Students who have read or heard at least 3 of the 20 books will be given the privilege of voting for their favorite nominated book. Votes are tallied throughout the entire state of Illinois and the winner is announced in the spring. For more information about the award and a list of the current nominees, visit http://www.islma.org/monarch.htm.

Book Fairs

McCarty Elementary will host at least two book fairs during the school year, one in the Fall and one in the Spring. Students are invited to browse and purchase books from well-known book companies. Proceeds from these fairs are used to enhance Library Media Center programs and materials.