1. Accelerated Reader Frequently Asked Questions:
A Windermere Elementary PTA Program
Thank you to all the parents who volunteer their time to help make the Accelerated Reader Program a success.
Amy Diederich~ Media Specialist
Elisabetta Valesi~ PTA Media Chair
Michelle Catanzariti
How do I know if my child is eligible for the AR Program?
Every student is eligible and automatically has an AR Log-In and Password. AR is intended for students who are reading independently. You may contact your child’s teacher or Mrs. Diederich for additional information on the program. This is an elective program with the purpose of encouraging reading.
UN: Student ID # Password: wes
Where can my child take the AR Tests?
The Accelerated Reader testing tool is available on all Windermere computers. It is up to the teacher to determine if tests may be taken in the classroom. Tests also may be taken in the media center every Tuesday and Thursday morning from 8:15-8:45 am.
How are the incentives earned?
As a student earns more points, he/she graduates to different levels. Levels 1-4 can be redeemed in the media center every Tuesday and Thursday morning from 8:15-9:00 am. Levels 5-7 will be actual parties that students will attend. These parties happen annually (the ice cream party is in the winter and the spring) to reward all of the students hard work in reading.
Who organizes, funds and runs the AR Programat Windermere?
Amy Diederich runs the program in partnership with our wonderful PTA. Parent volunteers work the entire year to make AR a success.
How can I get more information or volunteer?
Please read the “Four Simple Steps” on this brochure. If you have questions or would like to volunteer, please contact one of the AR co-chairs. Volunteer parents are needed every Tuesday and Thursday mornings to assist students test as well as distribute prizes. We would love to have you! 
Motivate your child to read through a program they’ll love!
Accelerated Reader (AR) is a supplemental reading program at Windermere Elementary School available to all independent readers.
AR offers students incentives to read and reinforces reading comprehension throughout the school year in a fun, individually-paced format.
Windermere Elementary School
11125 Park Avenue
Windermere FL 34786
“The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you'll go.”
~ Dr. Seuss

2. How does Accelerated Reader work? Four simple steps!
What books are on the Accelerated Reader list?
Accelerated Reader Point Thresholds 1
Students read an AR book. Students choose books at their appropriate reading levels and read them independently and at their own pace. Visit for book titles.
Students Take a Quiz.
Students take multiple-choice reading comprehension quizzes for their books independently on a computer at school. Points are earned for correct answers. (For any credit, students must answer 80% of questions correctly.)
Points are accumulated and prizes awarded
Teachers track points for program participants on student library cards. Students receive incentives when certain point thresholds are achieved. Each grade has different point thresholds.
Progress is Shared with You.
Renaissance Home Connect offers parents the ability to login in to see not only all of the books your child has read but how they scored on each quiz. With this information you can help to monitor that your child is reading books that are on their level or if they need to work to challenge themselves a bit more. With parents, teachers and students working together the possibilities are endless! (flyer was sent home)
If it’s in print, it’s most likely on the AR list. The list of AR books is endless. Chances are, your child has read many of them already! Books can be found in Windermere’s Media Center and you may also have books at home that are already on the list.
To search the AR catalog and see if the book has a corresponding AR quiz, visit .
Note: Quizzes cannot be accessed from a home computer. All quizzes must be taken on a school computer.
Students will earn the awards shown below for reaching pre-determined point levels. Grade-adjusted point levels can be found on your child’s iRead Bookmark. 2
Level
Incentive 1
Smencil 2
Homework Pass 3
iRead Wall of Fame 4
Book Bag Tag 5
Ice Cream Party 6
WES Synch Bag 7
Jeremiahs Party 3
What are Lexile levels?
A popular method used by schools to measure a student reader’s ability is Lexile level or a Lexile Measure. A Lexile measure is a valuable tool for teachers, parents, and students. It serves two unique functions: it is the measure of how difficult a text is OR a student’s reading ability level. A student receives his or her Lexile measure from one of two ways: taking a school-administered SRI (Scholastic Reading Inventory) test, which is specifically designed to measure Lexile or reading ability OR by taking a standardized reading test which converts the reader’s results to a Lexile measure. 4