Digital Library
OverDrive eBooks can be accessed by using your student ID as the username and password.
At Home Connection
Talk about it with your parents
This year we will be learning to see the Echoes of Eden themeTheme — The big idea or lesson a story is really about, something the story teaches us even though it doesn't say it out loud. in everything we experience. In reading, every story connects to our world, to our story, to each other's stories, and to God's story, all woven together, just like the community God has called us to. A story may highlight the goodness of Creation, the brokenness that comes from the Fall, the hope of RedemptionRedemption (biblical) — When someone is rescued or saved from something bad, especially the way God rescues and forgives people because He loves them, even when they don't deserve it., or New Creation, things made right again.
As you read, look for these themes and ask:
- Good Creation: What is good, beautiful, or right in this story?
- Brokenness: Where do things go wrong, or feel lost or hurt?
- Redemption: Who helps make things right, and what does it cost them?
- New Creation: How does the story end with things restored or renewed?
Can you find these themes in the books you are reading? Noticing these themes matters because it grows our compassionCompassion — Caring about someone else's feelings or problems so much that you want to help them, especially when they are hurting., helping us see others the way God sees them, made in His image, worth loving even in their brokenness, and worth celebrating when they experience redemption and renewalRenewal — Making something new, better, or whole again after it was broken, tired, or hurt..
*click on bolded words for definition
This Quarter
Quarter 1 Goal(s)
2026-27 School Year
Grades 2-5 Leaderboard
Let's get reading!
This leaderboard is available once you agree to the AR Honor Code.
Team Standings
Grade Level Leaderboard
Library Updates
News from the Hub
Point Achievement
Welcome to the Club!
Thank You for an Amazing Summer!
You Read!
Every book finished, every quiz passed, and every page turned made a difference!
You Achieved!
You set records, inspired classmates, and showed what true Warriors do! LEGENDARY!
You Celebrated!
This is YOUR page, a celebration of summer readers who changed the game!
Grade Achievements
The Warrior Champions
Outstanding Stars
Meet Our Legendary Readers
Point Achievement
Welcome to the Club!
More Info
Resources
Summer Reading Journals
Leaderboard & Competition
- Challenge yourself and others!
- Set your own personalized reading goal for the summer and track your progress through Accelerated Reader.
- Compete with yourself, your friends, or the entire school on the leaderboard.
Reading List
Accelerated Reader
AR Guidelines
The Bigger Picture
Why We Read
Before we dive into Accelerated Reader (AR), we want to say clearly that at Westminster we celebrate reading in all its forms. Students read for fun, to challenge themselves, to relax, and to discover new ideas. AR is simply a way to track and celebrate the reading students are already doing, not a way to limit or restrict it.
Wide Reading First
Thousands of books have available quizzes. Students explore varied genres, formats, and levels.
Why Sustained Reading, Not Just Grade Level
This year we're also focusing on sustained reading, the ability to hold a book and stay focused for extended time, not just hitting a grade level or point goal. Research shows kids' reading stamina has dropped in recent years, while screen use is linked to shorter attention spans. The good news: attention works like a muscle. Practicing focused, uninterrupted reading time helps build it back up.
About the Program
What Is Accelerated Reader?
Accelerated Reader (AR) is a reading motivation and practice program used at WCS Elementary. Students choose books, take comprehension quizzes, and earn points toward quartery teacher expectations and annual Hub challenge goals.
Motivation & Celebration
Each quiz and point milestone represents progress worthy of recognition.
Goal Setting
Students establish and monitor annual AR point goals by grade level, developing accountability and reader identity.
Choosing a Book
Recommendation: Encourage children to select books that excite them, challenge them, and help them unwind.
Finding AR Quizzes
Search by title, author, or topic, or search the WCS AR site after logging in.
The AR Honor Code
- Only take quizzes for books completely read
- Not base quizzes on movies, television shows, or summaries
- Work independently without online resources or external help
- Recognize that honest lower scores exceed dishonest higher ones
- Understand that accurate scores enable teacher differentiation
Getting Started
How to Log In
Official Login
Users must access the WCS-assigned website exclusively.
→
Username & Password Format
Username: First Initial + Last Name + Graduation Year (all lowercase, no spaces)
Example: jsmith32
Password: pass + 4-Digit Student ID (all lowercase, no spaces)
Example: pass9999
Common Problems & Solutions
- Use lowercase "p" in password
- Verify you're on the WCS site
- Check username formatting carefully
- Contact mglavach@wcsmiami.org for assistance
Reading Goals
Annual AR Point Goals by Grade
| Grade | Sustained Reading ⓘ | Teacher Expectations ⓘ | HUB Challenge Goal ⓘ |
|---|---|---|---|
| PK3 & PK4 | 5-8 minutes of focused, uninterrupted book time (read-aloud or picture book) Listening comprehension, print awareness, story appreciation | N/A | N/A |
| K | 8-12 minutes of independent or read-aloud reading Print concepts, story structure, oral retelling | N/A. | N/A |
| 1st | 12-15 minutes of independent silent reading Foundational decoding, fluency, comprehension | Read decodable texts with growing fluency; AR quizzes are optional enrichment at this stage. | Enrichment as needed |
| 2nd | 15-18 minutes of independent silent reading Independent reading growth, vocabulary, story elements | STAR Reading Assessment is administered each quarter to set individualized goals. | 25 pts |
| 3rd | 18-22 minutes of independent silent reading Reading stamina, text evidence, genre comparison | STAR Reading Assessment is administered each quarter to set individualized goals. | 50 pts |
| 4th | 22-25 minutes of independent silent reading Deeper comprehension, theme, cross-text connections | Q1: Just read (no pressure on points). Q2: Earn 10 pts by end of quarter. Q3: Earn 15 pts by end of quarter. Q4: Earn 15 pts by end of quarter. | 75 pts |
| 5th | 25-30 minutes of independent silent reading Analytical thinking, argument, independence | Cline- Complete an AR quiz every two-three weeks. Kyzer- Complete three AR quizzes per quarter.. | 100 pts |
Goals accumulate throughout the school year. Partial credit available for scores above 70%.
Getting Started
Taking a Quiz: Step by Step
1. Find Your Book
Search the title. Confirm a quiz exists; contact your HR teacher if unavailable.
2. Read Your Book
Complete the entire text from beginning to end for optimal quiz readiness.
3. Log In to AR
Access the Renaissance portal using the credentials above.
4. Take the Quiz
Answer 5-10 multiple-choice comprehension questions independently.
5. See Your Score
Results display immediately. Scores of 70%+ earn passing status and partial points; 100% earns full value.
6. Track Your Progress
Monitor cumulative points toward your annual goal and celebrate achievements.
Best Practices
Tips for AR Success
For Students
- Complete quizzes shortly after finishing books
- Select genuinely enjoyable texts
- Explore multiple genres
- Monitor progress regularly
- Request recommendations from teachers or Mrs. Glavach
- Target 70%+ quiz scores
For Parents
- Discuss reading content and plot details
- Monitor AR progress using student login
- Support daily reading habits
- Utilize local library resources
- Contact Mrs. Glavach if your child struggles meeting goals
- Celebrate 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100% milestones
Common Questions
Accelerated Reader FAQ
What is Accelerated Reader?
A reading practice program that builds comprehension, confidence, and independent reading habits through student-selected books at appropriate levels with self-paced reading and comprehension checks.
What is the purpose of AR?
The goal of AR is not simply to earn points or pass quizzes. Instead, it develops independent reading practice, strengthens comprehension, enables wide exploration, and cultivates lifelong reading habits.
How does AR work?
Students choose books, read carefully, take comprehension quizzes, and use feedback for progress celebration and continued growth.
What are AR points?
Each AR book is assigned a point value based on its length and difficulty. Points recognize reading volume and progress but represent only one component of overall reading development.
What is a book level?
Indicates approximate text difficulty to guide appropriate selection. Book level is not the same as a student's grade level.
What are interest levels?
- Lower Grades (LG, K-3)
- Middle Grades (MG, 4-8)
- Middle Grades Plus (MG+, 6+)
- Upper Grades (UG, 9-12)
For content concerns, consult Mrs. Glavach or Common Sense Media.
Does my child have to read only within a specific level?
No. Reading growth includes both appropriate challenge and authentic choice. Teachers may guide toward specific goals while encouraging exploration across interests and genres.
When should a student take an AR quiz?
Soon after completing the entire book, while content remains fresh.
Can students take AR quizzes at home?
Access varies by grade. Reference the Reading Goals chart above for specifics.
Can a student retake an AR quiz?
No. Quizzes are designed for single attempts with careful preparation.
What is a good AR quiz score?
A strong goal is typically 80% or higher, indicating comprehension. Teachers use scores alongside additional reading data for differentiated support.
What if my child is struggling with AR quizzes?
Low scores provide diagnostic information rather than labels. They may indicate excessive challenge, rushed reading, timing delays, or comprehension support needs. Teachers use this data for guidance.
How do students find out if a book has an AR quiz?
Search through AR Bookfinder or ask teachers or Hub staff.
Are graphic novels and nonfiction books part of AR?
Yes. Many graphic novels, nonfiction books, biographies, and other high-interest texts have AR quizzes. The Hub encourages broad genre exploration.
How does The Hub use AR?
The Hub uses AR as one tool within a broader reading culture. It supports independent practice, comprehension, goal-setting, celebration, and helps teachers understand student habits.
What matters most?
The ultimate goal is not a number, a point total, or a leaderboard. The priority centers on developing curious, confident readers who think deeply and discover expansive perspectives.
