Approve the Contract with the Tampa Convention Center to Host the 2007 Middle School Battle of the Books, April 26, 2007 (Information and Technology Division)

The first Middle School Battle of the Books was held in April of 2005 with students from 12 schools participating. The event was very successful and participation in the program has increased each year. This year 41 middle schools have signed-up to participate in the program.

Students in grades 6-8 read the 15 middle school battle books and then take a test on the information in each book. The 6 students at each school that score the highest on the test are selected to be on the school's battle team and to represent their school at the District Battle of the Books.

The District Battle is an exciting event for the students, teachers and parents. Each team competes in 4 rounds of battle by answering questions about each of the battle books. The teams score 1 point for each correct answer and the points are totaled for the 4 battle rounds. The two teams with the highest cumulative scores go on to compete in the Final Battle for the District Battle Cup.

Goal 1.e Involve families in supporting literacy at home.

Goal 1.e.1 Design, support, and promote school events and activities that emphasize family literacy.

The following vendors are donating $4,345 to cover part of the cost of renting the Tampa Convention Center: Sagebrush Books, Scholastic Book Fairs, and Mackin Library Services. The remaining $2,000 will be paid from Part I of the budget, departmental funds for Technology Services.

Records will be kept on the number of students and schools participating in the Middle School Battle of the Books and will be reported to the Board as part of next year's contract approval request.