Beorn doesn't go anywhere without a book. It's become his way of tuning out when sensory overload gets to him; and probably a way of avoiding social interaction so he doesn't make social gaffs.
Both his elementary and middle schools take part in a program called Accelerated Reader. The students take quizzes on the plots of books they read, and they are assigned points from the quizzes. Both schools award prizes at the end of the year to the top reader, based on points attained through the program. From what I've seen, most students finish the year with 300 points.
Since Beorn started taking part in the program (the first year I remember was 3rd grade), he's been the top reader out of all the grades at both schools. I distinctly remember he had 750 points when he graduated elementary school in 5th grade as the top reader. He usually gets a certificate and a $50 gift card to Books-a-Million or some such.
In 6th and 7th grade, he's averaged 1200 points each year, but he tied for top honors with a girl that was a grade ahead of him. She moved on to high school this year, and Beorn had no competition.
The past two years actually slowed Beorn down, as the school didn't have quizzes for the books Beorn was reading (we took books out of the public library, as the school library had books way below his reading level). So, instead of taking quizzes, he had to write them. That included 10 questions on plot, a correct answer, and three fake answers for each question per book. Getting him to do this was a PITA, but he still tied for most points.
This year, the school decided to purchase an online program accelerated reader offered, so that the school had access to all the quizzes the program offered, instead of just the individual ones the school was actually purchasing copies of. :::I heard it whispered the school did it to see what Beorn would do, but not from anyone officially:::
Beorn simply took off. His first quarter goal was set at 75 points; he earned 200 points. The next quarter his teacher set it at 200 points; he earned 350. Last quarter his teacher set it at 700 points; he earned 708.
His teacher decided to throw down the guantlet. I freaked out, and was told if Beorn didn't meet the goal, it would be readjusted as most other students still have goals of 75 points a quarter. His teacher set his goal for this last term at 1,000 points. This is why I started Beorn on the Stephen King bibliography, as each novel is worth between 20 and 72 (for The Stand) points. There's three weeks left until the end of the year, and he's at 850 points for the quarter. If he doesn't quiz on another book this quarter, I'm still proud of him. But, he's starting Asimov's Robot books, starting with I, Robot and going through the Foundation series. I have no doubt he'll make it.
Unfortunately, one of the kids in the school discovered that the online version of the accelerated reader program allowed them to retake quizzes on books they had already taken from the quizzes the school bought copies of. So, they were able to jack up their points without actually reading new books. Even Beorn took advantage. :::sigh:::
When the school found out, they cleaned out the kids records of retakes (the points I posted above were the ones after Beorn's account was reset), and decided they would not award a top prize this year in Reading. We were all disappointed, but agreed with the decision.
Yesterday I was told that due to him most likely achieving about 2250 points from quizzes this year, that the school is going to set up a 'Hall of Fame' reading plaque in Beorn's name, and he will be the first student recognized on this Hall of Fame. To me, this is even better than the top reader award, and I am just bursting with pride today. The plaque will be described and presented at the 8th grade graduation that's being held right before we head out to Tampa airport for me to fly to ElohimFest. So, I'll probably be a big old emotional mess when danlo meets me.
Anyway, just something a mother would appreciate...
