High School FAQs

What is the Otters Read Program, and how does it work?

Otters Read is an honors program open to all students designed to encourage and reward students who read books. Here are the highlights:

• Students read and document 10 books during each year of high school.

•  Upon completion of book 10, students meet with their Otter Time teacher and complete a "book talk" each year.

•  After 4 years, 40 books, and 4 book talks, students are recognized as having earned a Literacy Honor.

• Those students may wear a Literacy Honor cord during the commencement ceremony in recognition of their achievement.

• Students who complete the program by the end of trimester 3 of their senior year will also be recognized in the graduation program.

What books count toward my 40?

• Student choice! Otter Time teachers, students, and your Media Specialist, Mr. Scharnberg, can assist if the student needs help finding something that fits their interests.

• Minimum length / time threshold. (one of the following):

  • • Print / eBook: ≥ 150 pages

    • Audiobook: ≥ 4 hours listening time

    • Graphic novel / illustrated book: ≥ 150 pages

    • Short-form collections (poetry/short stories/plays): at least 5 substantial pieces or a compiled equivalent ≥ 150 pages.
      
      

• Appropriate.

  • • Material must be age-appropriate. 

    • If a book contains mature themes, parental notification and permission from the parent is preferred.

    • A clear content warning should be used when  at the beginning of the "book talk."
      
      

• No summaries or secondary sources.

  • • SparkNotes, summaries, or movie-watches alone do not count. 

    • The student must read the actual text (or full audiobook). This aspect is, of course, on your honor.
      
      

• Limits & re-reads.

  • • Re-reading a book counts once per program year and requires a short reflection describing why the book was read twice and what was different the second time. Some books are that influential, I get it!
      
      

• Diversity of format encouraged.

  • • This is not required, but students are highly encouraged to read a variety of genres in both fiction and nonfiction. 

    • In addition consider diversity of format: print, ebook, audiobook, translated works, graphic novels...

Am I allowed to list books that I have read for my English class?

Absolutely! Any book (non-textbook) that is read in its entirety may be listed, even if you read it for a class.

What is a book talk? It sounds scary.

A book talk is an opportunity for you and your Otter Time teacher to connect over books. A basic layout (instructions) is linked on the Otters Read main page. Otter Time teachers will also have a copy of the assignment. 

 I didn't start at FFHS in 9th grade. Do I still need to read 40 books and do 4 book talks?

We want all students to reap the benefits of reading, but we also want to honor the hard work students committed to the program. To be fair, we ask that students who join the Otters Read program late, make up for missed time. So, a student who begins the program in 10th grade would need to read 40 books over 3 years. An 11th grader would theoretically need to read 40 books in 2 years. That said, on your honor, we are willing to backdate and accept books that you read during the years at your previous school. These books can be recorded and postdated on the spreadsheet and shared during a "Book Talk."

 I didn't think I wanted to do Otters Read in 9th grade. Is it too late to change my mind?

We want all students to reap the benefits of reading, but we also want to honor the hard work of others. To be fair, we ask that students who join the Otters Read program late, make up for missed time. So, a student who begins the program in 10th grade would need to read 40 books over 3 years. An 11th grader would theoretically need to read 40 books in 2 years.

Please work with your Otters Read teacher to determine if and how you can make up for lost time, and make a plan for reading your 40 books and 4 book talks.

I completed the program. How do I get a Lit Cord to wear at graduation?

Students who complete the program will have the opportunity to purchase a Lit Cord at the same time as other honor cords and stoles. Typically, this happens several weeks before graduation.

I have questions that were not answered here. Who can I ask?

Start with your Otter Time teacher, but if they don't know, you can reach out to Mr. Scharnberg in the media center.