Books with Bobcats: Midway Hills Academy Launches Million Word Challenge
- EricJones
- 3 minutes ago
- 2 min read
At Midway Hills Academy, we believe reading opens doors to learning, leadership, confidence, and the kind of opportunities that change lives. Dr. Seuss reminds us, “The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you’ll go.”
This winter, our students are putting that belief into action through Books with Bobcats, an exciting new Million Word Reading Challenge made possible through our growing partnership with Georgia College & State University.
A Schoolwide Reading Adventure Begins
On December 1, MHA students officially launched into the challenge with Accelerated Reader (AR). Each book they read, whether at home, at school, or online, adds to their running word count as they complete short comprehension quizzes through the AR platform.
This gives us a powerful tool to track not just how much our Mustangs are reading, but also how they’re growing as thinkers and learners. Literacy advocate Pam Allyn puts it best: “Reading is a gateway skill that makes all other learning possible.”
And at MHA, we’re ready to walk through that gateway together.
Reading Alongside Role Models
One of the most energizing parts of this initiative is the involvement of GCSU student-athletes. Each week, these college role models come to MHA to read with our students, share their own literacy journeys, and show our children that strong readers make strong leaders on the court, on the field, and in life.
Rita Pierson once said, “Children need role models so they can see who they can become.”Our Mustangs are seeing that clearly.
Big Goals. Big Rewards. Big Mustang Energy.
We know students rise when expectations rise, so we’re dreaming big and celebrating big.
Fourth-graders who meet their reading goals will earn passes for themselves and their families to attend select GCSU sporting events. Students will be recognized on game day for their accomplishments.
Students who reach their grade-level Lexile goal will receive an official GCSU swag bag, a fun reminder of their hard work and perseverance.
And for our most dedicated book lovers: any student who reads ONE MILLION WORDS will become an official Millionaire Reader.Yes—millionaires get the royal treatment. These students will enjoy a limo ride to a special celebratory lunch in their honor.
Frederick Douglass taught us, “Once you learn to read, you will be forever free.”At MHA, we celebrate that freedom every day.
More Than a Challenge, A Community Commitment
Books with Bobcats is more than a reading program. It reflects a shared mission between Midway Hills Academy and GCSU to support students academically, socially, and emotionally through genuine partnership and encouragement.
As literacy expert Richard Allington reminds us, “Reading is the single most important skill children learn in school.”
Together, we are building readers.We are building leaders.We are building future Bobcats, Mustangs, and lifelong learners; one book, one word, and one student at a time.
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