MAY
May is the last month for promoting a successful summer reading program before reaping the benefits of hard work and dedication to student reading success during the school year. To kick off May as a summer reading program promotion month, the public librarian, Cathy Boggs visits Washington Elementary during regularly scheduled classroom visits to the library. She explains the summer reading program and answers any questions students have about the program. Students are invited to the city-wide summer library program kick-off event held at Hill's Bank in Mount Vernon. A note informing parents of the summer reading program is sent home with each student. In addition to public library information, the note includes hours and themes for the occasions that the school library will be staffed over summer months.
Families also have the opportunity to attend an informational meeting regarding summer reading. Together, the teacher and public librarian will share a brief presentation encouraging student participation in the public library summer reading program that both educates and informs caregivers about the summer reading slide and the need for students to be active readers over summer months.
For students of low socioeconomic status, the ability to access library materials over the summer may be limited. Washington Elementary has discussed the implementation of a mobile library, or stationing a mobile library truck at more popular locations, such as the pool. The school library and public library both work with daycare providers to offer as much reading material to students as possible by offering delivery service to daycare centers and in-home daycare locations within five miles of Mount Vernon. Additionally, the daycare program at Washington Elementary is offered to low socioeconomic families at a discounted rate. The public library and Washington Elementary's Kid's Club Program has collaborated to offer access to the public library through weekly walking field trips as well as regular access to the school library two times a week.The same limited access may affect students whose parents work during regular daytime hours. To provide better library access, the school library will be open one evening each week and the public library offers evening hours as well.
At the end of May, students and their families are invited to attend a summer reading kick-off event sponsored by Hill's Bank and the public library. The event offers games, prizes, food, fun, and the opportunity to sign up for the summer reading program. The day of the event, all classroom teachers are invited to wear a summer reading t-shirt purchased by Hill's Bank for event support.
Each May event is ultimately aimed at having students and their families commit to summer reading through the public library summer reading program. Through collaboration among the teacher librarian, public librarian, and families, students are at the forefront of reading success over summer months. Documents below include a final mailing slip to be including in grade report forms, reminding parents of summer hours at the school library.
Elements of a successful summer reading program that will be addressed in May:
- Building relationships with students and caregivers
- Education about parent and student accountability in reading
- Encouragement of positive independent reading habits
- Ample opportunities for library use
- Collaboration between teacher librarian and public librarian
- Access for all students, including those of low socioeconomic status
Summer Reading Program
summerreadinginformation.parentletter.docx |
summerreading.school_library_themes.docx |
advocacy.summer_reading.pptx |