Auburn School District No. 408
915 4th Street Northeast, Auburn, WA  98002

6/8/07

NEWS RELEASE
Olympic Middle School Teacher Wins Fred Meyer Grant

Kim Detwiler, a Learning Assistance Program (LAP) teacher, and her students at Olympic Middle School will soon be enjoying a $500 Fred Meyer grant, which will be used to purchase incentives.

LAP serves approximately 100-120 students who score below the 35th percentile on MAP, STAR, ITBS and/or WASL scores. Reading Clinic and Math Clinic are classes designed to assist these students. The students work in small groups, with a student-to-teacher ratio of 5-7:1, and rotate between math and reading groups. Some students qualify for just one subject, while others receive services for both.

Each day students have the opportunity to earn five points for study skills. Students who earn the full five points can then earn five “bonus points.” These points accumulate throughout the year and each month there is a Bonus Point Buy Day. Students can spend their points on a variety of items including: school supplies, books, food, snacks, candy bars, craft items, games and so on. Typically Ms. Detwiler purchases these items from her own personal budget.

According to Ms. Detwiler, “Bonus Point Buy Day is the highlight of the month for my students.”  LAP also provides students homework/class work help time each week. Students receive extra help with anything they need, including supplies. So far this year Ms. Detwiler has given away approximately 100 binders to students in need (all binders were donated by World Vision). Students also request extra paper and backpacks.

“The incentive program is an integral part of the program,” remarks Ms. Detwiler. “The kids enjoy this time with their teachers and classmates. It encourages them to work hard and do their best. It gives them a kind, warm, safe place to be. The kids constantly ask, ‘When is next month’s Bonus Point Day?’”

For more information contact Amy Spence, public information officer, at 253-931-4713.