Estimated read time: 1-2 minutes
This archived news story is available only for your personal, non-commercial use. Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information. Reading or replaying the story in its archived form does not constitute a republication of the story.
WENDOVER -- Students in West Wendover know it pays to read, but a few won the sweepstakes for their reading.
Teachers and administrators from West Wendover elementary showed up unannounced at the homes of two students with sirens blaring. "Good Afternoon Johnson family, it's the prize patrol." Announced the principal with a bull horn.
The bewildered family opened the door and had looks of disbelief with what they saw. One teacher handed them a balloon bouquet. Another presented them a pizza. And still another educator handed the student who met their reading goal a bag of books.
Congratulations were offered and the "prize patrol" moved on to the next house.
"Come out Navarro family." The scene repeats itself as the shocked looks turn to proud smiles.
The prize patrol is part of West Wendover Elementary school's reading incentive program. This year they launched the Million Minutes campaign, which students quickly accomplished. So educators had to come up with a new challenge.
Now, students who accomplish their goals get their names put into a drawing and each month, the team of educators goes on patrol. The prizes not only motivate students, but they help get parents engaged. The home visit also shows families reading is important.
KSL and our Read Today initiative want to see what makes your school special. Send us your video or youtube link to Readtoday.com. We may play it on KSL and the winners will get a thousand books for their school libraries.
