Summer Reading FAQ's

Why do you assign summer reading? 
As students get busier with academics and extracurricular activities, reading for pleasure is often sacrificed. Students who practice reading increase their skill-level in reading, so summer reading provides a low-pressure opportunity for this much-needed practice. Summer Reading  and summer skills work in general have been proven to prevent “summer slide,” the loss of or regression in skills that often occurs when students do not engage in any intellectually stimulating activity over summer.  

What is your selection process?
Summer reading is premised first upon student engagement in reading. We want students to keep their brains engaged over the summer and perhaps to learn to enjoy reading more while getting much needed practice. Research also tells us that student choice and high interest topics are chief motivators in reading.These ideas are how we arrived at our system of 1 grade level choice and a free choice. We discuss summer reading over the course of the year, make suggestions, and come to an agreement. The grade level choices are traditionally chosen by teachers to introduce the rising class to the subject matter of the upcoming course or to encourage consideration of specific topics. For the free choice, we offer guidelines. For more information about our rationale in literature assignments, see our Book Selection Policy.

What can I do if I would like my child not to read one of the selected texts?
We have a book selection policy and a contested materials procedure that are reachable at the highlighted link. We do ask that you read the book in its entirety when objecting to a selection.

How can I support my child during summer reading?
We recommend that parents read along with their students. Consider creating a schedule for your student’s reading over the summer so that they are not trying to read everything at the end. Also engage your student in conversations about the reading. Ask them questions about plot, characters, theme, etc. Making connections to other texts and their own personal experiences will also increase comprehension.

Will the assignments my child is given on the reading over the summer be graded in the fall?
Yes, though this summer, there are no assigned projects during the summer. There will be assessments of the texts and skills pretests at the beginning of the year. Many teachers also use summer reading to extend course questions and themes developed throughout the year. We suggest taking notes that can be reviewed before school starts. In particular, students should consider their own reactions to and thoughts about the texts.

Why was my child assigned a skills book in lieu of their free choice?
Based on class performance and spring testing, students whose close reading and comprehension skills could benefit from more practice were offered the skills book. Completing this skills work will better prepare the student for their next grade level and for standardized testing such as the ACT and SAT. We still encourage reading a free choice and as many books as possible. Students become stronger readers first by reading more.

What should I do if I have more questions?
Please contact English department chair, Kealy Duke or through the comment form below. If it's a question that you feel should be added to this list, please let us know. You can also contact your child's most recent English teacher.