Reading with Coach Byrne.

It’s a pretty neat program involving Ada fourth graders and Kevin Byrne, Ohio Northern University men’s basketball coach, and several team members.

During the second nine weeks of school ONU basketball players teamed up with Ada fourth graders up to improve fourth grader reading skills.

According to Ada fourth graders teachers Mrs. Butterfield, Mrs. Salyer and Mrs. Stuart: “Normally, each student is expected to read daily in order to receive 5 Reading Counts points per week by passing quizzes with at least 70 percent accuracy.”

They continued: “Through Reading with Coach Byrne during the second nine-weeks grading period (ending Jan. 4), students were encouraged to earn 75 points by passing Reading Counts quizzes averaging 75 percent accuracy.”

Each student who achieved these goals attended an ONU home men’s basketball game. Each student was recognized during halftime. Each student who completed the program also received a certificate and a t-shirt from Coach Byrne. Students also received autographs from ONU players following the game.

A LIST OF WINNERS IS ON THE PRINTER-FRIENDLY ATTACHMENT AT THE BOTTOM OF THIS PAGE.

Photos below:

• Students at the ONU game
• Players giving autographs
• Sign at the game