We have the AR program at the school. As far as funding, the PTO provides a set dollar amount towards the Library budget. The Librarian then uses that amount, plus her county designated funds, to cover all costs for the year, including A/R program, prizes for the program, etc.

Last year she did an AR store after the 3rd 6 weeks and then again at the end of the year (6th 6weeks). Kids were able to purchase things based on their points. This year she is doing an AR sleep over on a Friday night. Which involves several teachers, parent chaperons, principal & vice-principal, etc. Once again, kids are only being invited to the sleep over if they achieve a certain number of points. She varies it about every 2 or 3 years is my understanding of how it works so that the kids don't get bored with it year after year and it is always something that seems "new."

Otherwise, anything else that is done is strictly up to the teachers. I know in 3rd grade (my twins classes this year) the teachers had competitions among the 5 classes as to who could get the most points. All 5 classes swap based on subject so the class that received the most points had a one night free homework pass from the teacher of the class with the lowest points. The kids had to have a certain number of personal points to get the pass I think.

We have the AR program at our school and our PTO traditionally does an incentive program with this. Last year we paid for classroom AR parties that all children that reached their goals attended. This year we have done an AR Store where, at the end of each quarter, the children can go an "spend" their points on various items. We also do trophies at the end of the year awards assembly for the children who have 400 points or more for the year.

In addition to our incentives alot of the teachers have their own rewards that they do.
The Principal also has a program where the children get recognized over the intercom when they reach 50pts. 100pts. 200pts. and on and on. Along with the recognition they receive a Certificate (50 Point Club,etc.) and a prize.

IMO-I think that this is way too much focus on one program that isn't even part of their grade. The children are being rewarded for the same points 2-3 times. And comparing last year to this year, the incentives don't really work. The kids who love to read, will read no matter what and the ones who don't, won't.

Sorry for rambling, my question is how do you participate in this program?