The vocabulary words of the month is a new program founded by Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School reading teacher Gabby Prochilo. All it takes to be entered in the raffle is using one of the words of the month in an appropriate context.

There are five words of the month, and are all vocabulary that is seen on the SAT. This month’s words are abrupt, compelling, bureaucratic, delve, and paucity. These words can be viewed on the doors of ELA teachers’ classrooms. Every English and Reading teacher has been given a cup of raffle submissions

With the SATs starting up again this year it is being suggested to be studying diligently. Students may want to invest their time in expanding their vocabulary.Prochilo had this in mind when she started the English Language Arts Words of the Month.

“The SAT contains at least 10 –15 words that the average student may not know,” Princeton Review said.

Once a student has used the word, filled out a raffle ticket, and turned it back into their teacher they are eligible to win a gift card.

“[I wanted] to promote the usage of different vocabulary words which in the end heightens comprehension,” Prochilo said.

Not only does this give upperclassmen extra practice for the SAT, but this prepares underclassmen in advance. Some may say studying a year in advance is going to the extreme, but many websites argue that it enhances test scores.The blog spoke about the benefits,and mentioned how students can increase their score by adding on a few hours of practice. This point increase can make all the difference when applying to college.

“We know from recent studies that a 105-point increase on your SAT score (equivalently, 1.5 points on your ACT score) doubles your odds of getting into a given college,” Dr. Fred Zhang from PrepScholar said.

Other ELA teachers agree that the program is beneficial for students, and expands their lexicon. The SATs contain various non-frequently used vocabulary, and persistent engagement with these words can integrate them into students’ memory. MSDteachers encourage steadily increasing your knowledge over time as it stays in your long-term memory rather than cramming.

“I think it’s an engaging way to get students to increase their vocabulary with a reward system,” English teacher Deneen Stuczynski said.

Some students have been studying since the end of their sophomore year and have been putting the program to use.

“I have been trying to participate in my English class and find ways that I can use the words in class,” junior Nicole Robinson said.

The ELA Word of the Month program is now active from now until next June. Each month, new words will be announced, along with new chances at winning gift cards.