We request approval of the contract with the Tampa Convention Center to host the District Middle School Battle of the Books Competition on May 6, 2010. The Middle School Battle of the Books is a districtwide reading program for students in grades 6 through 8.

The first Middle School Battle of the Books was held in April 2005, with 12 middle schools participating and has increased each year. Students from 47 schools participated in the 2009 battle; students from 49 schools are expected to compete in the 2010 District Battle.

Students read the current Middle School Sunshine State Young Readers titles during the year and take a qualifying test based on the books in the spring. At each school the six students with the highest scores are selected to serve on their school's Battle Team and represent their school at the Middle School District Battle of the Books. Each team competes in four rounds of battle by answering questions about each of the battle books. The teams score one point for each correct answer and the points are totaled for the four rounds. The three teams with the highest cumulative scores go on to compete in the final battle for the District Battle Cup.

The District Battle is an exciting event for the students, teachers, and parents.

* Motivate students to become responsible learners

The following vendors are donating $6,467 to cover part of the cost of renting the Tampa Convention Center: Barnes & Noble Book Sellers, Mackin Library Books, Follett Library, and Pepsi. The remaining funds of $2,000 are budgeted through Part 1 departmental funds for Library Media Services 6-12.

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.