Program Sponsored by the Pierce PTA 2017-2018 School Year
Motivate your child to read through a program they’ll love!
Frequently Asked Questions:
What is AR?
Accelerated Reader (AR) is a supplemental (optional) reading program at Pierce Elementary School available to all students in grades 2-5. AR offers students incentives to read and reinforces reading comprehension throughout the school year in a fun, individually-paced format.
How do I know if my child is eligible for the AR Program?
Every 2nd-5th grader is eligible and automatically has an AR Log-In and Password. You may get them from your child’s teacher or media specialist. This is an elective program with the purpose of encouraging reading.
Where can my child take the AR Tests?
The AR testing tool is available on all Pierce computers. It is up to the teacher to determine if tests may be taken during classroom hours. Tests may be taken before and after school in the Media Center. (Note: Due to licensing restrictions, quizzes cannot be accessed from a home computer. All quizzes must be taken at Pierce.)
Pierce Elementary Media Center Hours
Monday-Friday
8:15-8:42 (for students taking AR quizzes with parent supervision)
8:50am-3:50pm (regular hours; teacher permission required)
Closed during lunch (12:30-1:10pm)
3:50-4:15 (for students taking AR quizzes with parent supervision)
How does Accelerated Reader work? Four simple steps!
1. Students read an AR book.
Students choose books at their appropriate reading levels and read them independently and at their own pace. Visit for book titles and associated points.
2. Students Take a Quiz.
Students take multiple-choice reading comprehension quizzes for their books independently on a computer at school. Points are earned for correct answers. (For any credit, students must answer 60% of questions correctly.) Vocabulary quizzes do not count towards AR points.
3. Points are “Harvested.”
AR volunteers tally points for program participants approximately every six weeks. Students receive incentives when certain point thresholds are achieved. Students achieving the Gold-star level are invited to participate in the AR Celebration Party at the end of the school year. Each grade has different point thresholds.
4. Progress is Given to Students to Shared with You.
The AR Committee sends home reports with your children indicating how many points your child has accumulated and what incentives have been earned. These go home on the day of the AR Point Harvest.
Program Sponsored by the Pierce PTA 2017-2018 School Year
What books are on the Accelerated Reader list?
If it’s in print, it’s most likely on the AR list. Chances are, your child has read many of them already!
To search the AR catalog and identify possible points per book, visit
What are the AR Point Thresholds by Grade?
What are the AR Harvest Dates for the 2017-2018 School Year?
What is the “AR Celebration Party”?
As a student earns more points, he/she graduates to different “star levels”. Students earning a Gold Star (points needed are based on grade) are invited to the AR end of year party to celebrate their achievement. The event provides a fun-filled day at Beverly Hills Club offering sports activities, games, crafts, a pizza lunch and a bounce house. This event is during school hours and bus transportation is provided. Students that make it to the AR Celebration receive a medal at the party. Students in 5th grade that make it to the AR Celebration each grade (2nd – 5th) receive a trophy at the party. The AR Celebration for the 2017-2018 School Year is June 6, 2018.
Program Sponsored by the Pierce PTA 2017-2018 School Year
Who organizes, funds and runs the AR Program at Pierce?
The Pierce PSA funds the Accelerated Reader program. Proceeds from the AR t-shirt ($12) also contribute. Parent volunteers work the entire year to make AR a success.
How can I volunteer?
If you would like to volunteer, please contact one of the AR co-chairs. Volunteer parents are needed on each of the “Point Harvest Dates” to properly award all the involved students. We would love to have you!
Who can I contact if I have more questions?
The AR Co-Chairs:
Taline Linovitz ()
Jessica Wertz ()
Pierce Elementary School, 1829 Pierce Street, Birmingham MI 48009