WELCOME
To the Summer Reading Club
Parent Letter
June, 2014
Dear Parent or Guardian:
Summer is rapidly approaching! I’m sure you agree summer can be a season full of good times and fun memories. However, summer is also the season when students experience learning losses, especially if they don’t read during the summer. There’s actually a name for it: the summer slide.
Research tells us students who do not read during the summer may lose up to three months of the reading progress they had made in school. It is, therefore, crucial to keep your student engaged in summer reading activities. Studies also show students who read three or more age-appropriate books over the summer do better on standardized tests in the fall than those who read only one or no books over the summer. Moreover, when parents discuss the reading with their teens, students’ reading comprehension improves.
Students may participate in a blog once a week to share information about the books we are reading. Ninth, tenth, eleventh and twelfth graders will read four books, complete the summer response log for each book and write a short essay with a prompt provided about one of the books. Those who read all four books, complete the essay and reading response logs will receive the privilege to go to the Wright Place Restaurant for lunch. Seniors who complete all the tasks will receive the privilege to go off campus during lunch on Wednesdays with parent permission slip.
Motivating your student to read this summer is one important way you can jumpstart your child’s learning. As always, thank you for your support. Parents must sign a statement verifying the student read all four books, completed the reading response logs and essay. Completed work must be given to Ms. Buchanan at freshman orientation or on the first day of school.
Go to the school website and click Summer Reading Club for all forms and information. www.duvalschools.org/fhp
Sincerely,
Mary W. Buchanan (leader for 9th and 10th graders)
Jessica Parrish (leader for 11th and 12th graders)
Cathy Barnes, Principal