Accelerated readers get magic as reward for reaching goals

Ventriloquist Cliff Patton performed two shows for high-achieving fourth and fifth grade accelerated readers at W-WES.

Students at Washington-Wilkes Elementary School were treated to a fantastic show last Friday as a reward for exemplary behavior and reaching their Accelerated Reading goals for the fourth six weeks of school.

Cliff Patton, a ventriloquist and magician, performed two shows at the school for the fourth and fifth grade students. Patton surprised the boys and girls with balloon tricks, fun songs, and skits with several puppets. Skeeter was by far their favorite character.

Everyone enjoyed the performance, including Pre-K students who came to the first show.

Patton is well known for his skits that include themes such as character education, drug awareness, career choices, and reading to succeed.

"We try to come up with new and exciting ideas to reward our students at W-WES," said Debra Harper, guidance counselor. "I think they loved his act and were getting some valuable lessons while being entertained.

We'll most definitely invite

Mr. Patton back."

In the past, activity teachers have

planned activities to reward students

Fun & Fellowship,

for achieving certain goals in reading

and classroom behavior. Previous Refreshments

activities included a movie and popcorn, popsicles with extra outside time, carnivals, and sock hops.

All of these events occur at the end of each six weeks and during the students' regular activity time so as not to take away from instruction.

"It is a great way for W-WES faculty to show students how proud we are of their hard work and dedication to their academic success," Harper said.