The NFS Calculating Caterpillar Program is a unique learning aid for elementary students to build essential math skills. At the heart of the program is the pride students earn from achievement. Students practice their addition, subtraction and multiplication skills through flash cards and speed tests. When each student successfully completes a series of calculations in a speed test, they are awarded a body part to a colorful cartoon caterpillar that is displayed in the school's hallways. As each student moves up in complexity of her or her calculations, a new body part is awarded. Standardized tests within schools utilizing the program are showing significant improvements in student math scores.

NFS employee and company donations have funded the purchase of the Accelerated Reader® Program for several elementary schools within Unicoi County. Much like Calculating Caterpillar, Accelerated Reader is a systematic program for improving student reading skills. Students are awarded points when they read a book and successfully complete a computer-based test to assess their comprehension of its content. As points are earned, students can cash in their points for prizes, food - even extra recess! NFS funds buy books and Accelerated Reader® Programs. In one school, the number of books checked out from the library increased from a few thousand to more than 12,000 in a single year. That is not all of the important investments NFS is making in local education.

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