Press Releases

DATE: 8/28/2009

SUBJECT: Oriole Elementary Hosts Kick-Off Assembly for Reading Challenge

WHO: Oriole Elementary School third, fourth and fifth grade teachers, students and administration

WHAT: Kick-Off Assembly for Oriole Elementary School's Reading Challenge

WHEN: Wednesday, September 2, 2009 (3rd grade at 8:15 a.m.; 4th grade at 8:45 a.m. and 5th grade at 9:15 a.m.)

WHERE: Oriole Elementary School (3081 NW 39th Street, Lauderdale Lakes)

WHY: OptaComp (Blue Cross and Blue Shield) is hosting a kick-off assembly to introduce the school's Reading Challenge on Wednesday, September 2. Last year, the school received a partnership donation of $5,000 from OptaComp, which was used to purchase approximately 600 library books and student incentive awards. 

The Reading Challenge will introduce Oriole Elementary's students to a variety of today's literary favorites, including the Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling, "Strider" by Beverly Cleary, "Old Yeller" by Fred Gipson, "The Crossing" by Gary Paulsen and more.

All students who read a predetermined amount of books during the program will receive bronze medallions. The student from each grade who reads the most books will win a trophy. 
   
OptaComp also donated a variety of school supplies - folders, pencils, highlighters and more - and presented each incoming kindergarten family with a health and wellness kit.

Oriole Elementary serves approximately 750 pre-kindergarten through fifth grade students. Last year, more than 91 percent of Oriole Elementary students received free and reduced price meals benefits.

About Broward County Public Schools: Broward County Public Schools (BCPS) is the nation's sixth largest public school system and the largest fully accredited district with over 255,000 students in more than 290 schools and education centers. For more information about BCPS, visit the District Web site at (www.browardschools.com).