Ascentra Reading Challenge (2022-2023)

In 1999, Ascentra, in partnership with the Bettendorf Public Library and the Pleasant Valley School District, created a reading program that challenged all first graders in Bettendorf schools to read 10 books within one month. Those completing the challenge were invited to a pizza party along with their families at the Bettendorf Library where each student is recognized by their teacher and given a plush Booker Bear and certificate of achievement.

Twenty-three years later the program continues to challenge first graders in the area but has grown to include the Moline (Illinois), Bettendorf, Pleasant Valley, and North Scott (Iowa) School Districts.

In total, 1,346 students completed this year’s reading challenge.  This is the equivalent of 13,460 books read with many teachers and students reporting to have read more than 10 books in one month.

Bettendorf Community School District - Booker Bear Reading Challenge: 289 students from five different elementary schools participated in this year’s challenge. The pizza party was hosted in the Bettendorf High School’s commons where more than 675 students, parents and family were served, followed by a presentation of certificates in the high school gym.

Pleasant Valley Community School District – Booker Bear Reading Challenge: 399 students from six different elementary schools completed this year’s challenge! This is the first time since the challenge’s inception that 100% of the district’s first graders participated. In lieu of a pizza party, each class was individually presented their plush Booker Bear and certificate of achievement at their schools.

Moline (Illinois) Community School District – The Grrreat Tiger Tales Reading Challenge:  489 students from nine different elementary schools completed this year’s challenge. The pizza party was held at the Moline Public Library where more than 900 students, parents and family were served, followed by a presentation of certificates.

North Scott Community School District – Scottie Reads Reading Challenge: 169 students from five different elementary schools completed this year’s challenge! The pizza party was held in Ed White Elementary’s gymnasium where more than 440 students, parents and family were served, followed by a presentation of certificates.

“Every March is ‘National March into Literacy Month’ and I couldn’t think of a better way to celebrate literacy than challenging all our first graders to get out there and read some books,” said Linda Andry, President and CEO, Ascentra Credit Union. “It’s wonderful to partner with our local public libraries, teachers and administrators to encourage young local students to get lost in a good story”.