Pagers Reading Program

What is it?
Pagers is a program that supports the benefits of reading.

What is its purpose?
• To encourage independent reading as a pleasurable experience, a worthwhile endeavor,
and a part of the Saint Thomas Academy culture;
• To build community with other students and with faculty and staff.

How does it work?
• Read one book a quarter;
• Participate all four quarters or as you choose;
• Books can be purchased for half price through the school, or they can be purchased
independently (full price) or borrowed from libraries;
• Books will be discussed at the end of each quarter; discussions will be held during
an assembly period;
• Participants sign up for discussion groups of about eight to ten students; each group will be led by
an adult moderator; students may not switch groups; discussion questions will be available
beforehand;
• Students meeting participation requirements will receive extra credit through their English
classes.

What constitutes "meeting participation requirements"?
• If the discussions are held during lunch periods, student must attend BOTH lunchtime
discussions;
• Student should bring a copy of the book to the discussions;
• Student must pass a comprehension quiz;
• Student must participate in the discussions in a meaningful way so that the moderator can
tell that he has actually read the book.

How do students participate?
• Sign up with your English teacher by a designated date (students must be registered as
part of the program to receive credit);
• Books at the discounted price can be purchased from the Media Specialist or ordered
through your English teacher by a specified date;
• Updates on the program are always available on the Pagers Web site.

How are books chosen for Pagers?
There are several criteria used to select books for Pagers. These include:
• Broad range of appeal and appropriate for ages 14-18 (or 12-14 for Middle School);
• Diverse topics, styles of writing, and literary genres;
• Appropriate level of literary quality;
• Available in paperback and generally between 250-350 pages.