It was a very summery-feeling day as the district kicked off the Summer of Reading program with energy, excitement, and cool activities—thanks to the incredible teamwork of GCSD educators and our partners at the Greenburgh Public Library. “Summer of Reading launch day has a special energy felt across the district,” said Lori D’Andrea, GCSD K-12 Literacy Coach and the program’s coordinator. “The cross-collaboration between the schools is indicative of a passionate belief in the value of reading and continued learning during the summer months for all students.”
In keeping with Summer of Reading tradition, GPL librarians visited all five schools to share information about the library’s Color Our World summer program—designed to inspire and celebrate the joy of reading for everyone. At LFJ, Highview, and RJB, one special moment came when librarians showed a photo of the Greenburgh Public Library and asked students to raise their hands if they’d ever visited. Without fail, every hand shot into the air. “I’ve been to the library a lot of times!” one student exclaimed, beaming.
Storytelling is a powerful tool for learning at every age. On launch day, our developing readers at ECP and LFJ explored themes of friendship, bravery, and the unexpected joy a little piglet can bring through the books You Can Be a Good Friend (No Matter What) by Taraji B. Henson, Jabari Jumps by Gaia Cornwall, and A Piglet Named Mercy by Kate DiCamillo. After storytime, students engaged in discussions and activities to further support the meaning inside the stories. “I can be a good friend this summer by being kind and sharing,” said one student.
At Highview, second-grade students received writing journals and copies of Keena Ford and the Second-Grade Mix-Up from third-grade teachers. The story explores honesty, friendship, and how jealousy can come between friends. Students joined Mr. Mastrangelo for a read-along and wrote their first journal entries. Even though Mr. Mastrangelo couldn’t read from the rooftop this year, students still enjoyed a sunny celebration with watermelon slices on the playground and summer journaling fun.
RJB librarian Ms. Hammond visited rising fourth-graders at Highview to read Ivan: The Remarkable True Story of the Shopping Mall Gorilla as an introduction to their summer book The One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate, a story about the desire for freedom and a natural environment. Back at RJB, Ms. Hammond introduced the books for next year’s fifth and sixth graders: The Lemonade War and Holes. Students were able to learn more about the books and ask questions about the summer assignments.
The Woodlands Middle High School Commons was bustling with students signing up for library cards and entering the “flip flop into your summer reading” raffle. Students in grades 7–11 received the books: Patina by Jason Reynolds, The Giver by Lois Lowry, The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind by William Kamkwamba, We Were Here by Matt de la Peña, It’s Trevor Noah: Born a Crime by Trevor Noah, and We Are Not From Here by Jenny Torres Sanchez. After reviewing the summer program website with teachers, they heard from special guest readers, including staff and faculty.
Whether students are flipping under the sun or writing in their journals, summer is a chance to explore, imagine, and grow through the power of reading. Visit the District’s Summer of Reading webpage for book recommendations, activities, and more ways to keep the joy of learning going all summer long.
Happy Reading!