Middle-schoolers reap rewards for reading

TeenBiz Seated: Brandon Maldonado and Reyes Torres. First row (l-r): Joseph Caraballo, Mrs. Elizabeth Manuel - classroom teacher, Jovanna Bellino, Exson Aponte, Florecita Vasquez and Brittney Byrd. Back row (l-r): Damon Brown - paraprofessional, Michael Pearsall, Omaris Diaz, Tyler White and Girad Brown.

The students of Elizabeth Manuel's class have a reason to celebrate. They were chosen as the winners of the Achieve3000 TeenBiz "Showcase of Talent."

Students from the four middle school grades in the Alternative Program and Challenge Program read daily news articles sent to them by Achieve3000 and completed an activity that correlated to the articles. Students were then scored on their responses. Achieve3000 calculated each classroom's improvement and participation.

The scores of students who scored over 75 percent counted toward their overall class average. The class with the most points for participation and improvement were the winners. The contest ran from Jan. 22 to Feb. 16. Although each class made great strides in their academic growth, in the end, the students of Mrs. Manuel's class came out on top and were rewarded with a party to celebrate their success.