(Muscatine, IA) Young students at
McKinley Elementary School in Muscatine, IA recently participated in a reading program
that encouraged them to achieve specific reading goals and win a trip to a school
sponsored celebration called the "Winner's Circle".
At the "Winner's Circle" presentation, ParkerStore sponsored pro-stock driver Rusty Daufeldt talked to students about driving a racecar, the fun, the dangers and the cost. Rusty told the children about his sponsors like DADCO Corporation and the ParkerStores, and how they make his racing career possible.
"The reading program is designed to allow children to choose books at
their own reading level," said instructor Stephanie Kean. "The students are
assigned reading goals. After reading each book, they are given a test on the computer.
They need to score at least 80% in order to pass the test and get points for that book. If
they obtain their goal during the grading period, they earn their way to the school-wide
celebration."
During a recent grading period, the school had chosen a racing theme for the incentive. It was titled 'Read your way to the Winner's Circle'. Everyone who met this goal had the chance to meet local race driver Rusty Daufeldt. They also had the opportunity to get an up-close view of his high powered racing machine. The Daufeldt's also have a small replica of their racecar and students were given the opportunity to have their photo taken sitting in the car.
It was a very valuable learning experience for everyone involved. All of the students were very appreciative that Rusty took the time to stop by and show them his racecar. They swarmed around him and the car with enthusiastic interest.
"We have seen schoolwide reading grow over the last three years," added Ms. Kean. "I think we've done it."
(Article and photos contributed by Art Daufeldt)
