Dear 4th and 5th grade students and parents,

Madison School will again be participating in the “Battle of the Books” program sponsored by the Wheaton Public Library. The purpose of this program is to challenge fourth and fifth grade students to read and become familiar with a variety of books.

Madison School will be competing against other District 200 schools in a trivia bowl format. Each of the eight battles we compete in consists of four school teams competing against each other. The battles take place at the public library from 4-4:30 p.m. during January and February. Students are responsible for their own transportation, though your child’s group leader could help you arrange a ride. Each student battles one or two times.

As a battle participant, your child would be responsible for reading the 12 or 13 books assigned to them from the Battle of the Books list of 50 books. Students are welcome to read additional books from the list as well.

Your child will also commit to meet with his/her team every week, from 12-12:50 p.m., beginning early September. We are planning on meeting on Wednesdays this year. The students bring their lunch to their assigned classroom and eat, as we review and discuss the assigned book for that week. Every effort is made to allow for some recess time each week. Your child would be required to read one book each week between September and December. Meetings during January and February will consist of mock battles to prepare the group for the library battles, alternating with review sessions with your assigned group.

If this program is something that you think would interest your child, sign the parent consent form below and return to school NO LATER THAN Tuesday, Sept 3rd. Teams will be formed and our first meeting will be September 4th where everyone will meet their team leaders and receive their book list. This should only take about 15 minutes. The first book will be discussed at the first group meeting on September 11th.

Parent Consent Form—please detach and return to your teacher by TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 3rd.

My child ______may participate in the Battle of the Books program at Madison School. I understand that he/she will be responsible for reading 12 or 13 assigned books from the Battle of the Books list. I also understand he/she will need transportation to and from the battle at the Wheaton Public Library.

______

Parent SignatureName of Student’s Teacher

We are always looking for more co-leaders. Let us know if you would like to assist with a group.