Although the first day of summer is still a couple of weeks away, students across the district have already embarked on an adventure that doesn’t require passports, long car rides, or sunscreen. The only thing they need is a book.
June 5, students from the Early Childhood Program through Woodlands High School participated in the district's annual Summer of Reading launch, a coordinated literacy initiative designed to keep students engaged in reading, writing, and learning throughout the summer months. In keeping with the annual tradition, librarians from the Greenburgh Public Library visited every school across the district, partnering with classroom teachers and school librarians to introduce students to their summer reading programs, resources, and activities. The launch reflected a collaboration between district educators and library staff and a shared effort to help students move from one chapter to the next in their reading journey.
"Summer reading helps students stay connected to learning while giving them the freedom to explore stories that inspire, challenge, and engage them," said Lori D'Andrea, GCSD PK-12 Literacy Coach. "Launch day is a celebration of that opportunity and of the partnerships that help make it possible for every student across the district."
At ECP, students were introduced to their summer books through classroom read-alouds and hands-on activities connected to the stories they will be reading throughout the summer. Students who will enter kindergarten at Lee F. Jackson School this fall received You Can Be a Good Friend (No Matter What!) by Taraji P. Henson, while students returning to ECP next year received Broken Crayons Still Color by Toni Collier. Through discussions and activities, students explored themes of friendship, kindness, perseverance, and self-worth. The young students were eager to answer questions about what it means to be a good friend. "You should be nice and share things," one student said. Another classmate added, "Be respectful and kind."
Kindergarten students at Lee F. Jackson participated in story and craft activities, while first graders engaged in literacy experiences led by GPL librarians. Students entering first grade received Jabari Jumps by Gaia Cornwall, a story about courage, confidence, and trying new things. Highview Elementary librarian Danielle Dyroff visited rising second graders at LFJ to read the first chapter of their summer reading book Mercy Watson to the Rescue by Kate DiCamillo. In classrooms, students discussed the IB Learner Profile traits reflected in Mercy's character.
Students at Highview Elementary School enjoyed visits from GPL librarians and special reading activities tailored to their grade levels. Principal Mr. Mastrangelo helped kick off the summer reading experience by reading a portion of Juana & Lucas by Juana Medina to second graders, introducing students to Juana's story and themes of family, friendship, and self-discovery. In the gymnasium, third graders met with GPL librarians and RJB librarian Ms. Hammond, who introduced Stuart Little by E.B. White, the classic tale they will read as students prepare for their transition to RJB next fall. Students learned about the book's memorable characters and adventures while getting a preview of the reading experiences that await them this summer.
Fourth and fifth graders at Richard J. Bailey School had the opportunity to dive right into The Lemonade War by Jacqueline Davies and Holes by Louis Sachar, reading the opening chapters in their classrooms before attending a special assembly with librarian Ms. Hammond and representatives from the GPL. During the assembly, students learned more about the stories, discussed major themes, explored project options, and asked questions about their summer assignments. They were also excited to hear about the many programs happening at the Greenburgh Public Library this summer.
At Woodlands Middle High School, students met with GPL representatives during lunch periods and participated in a "Race to Summer Reading" activity designed to encourage engagement and excitement around reading. Students entering grades seven through eleven received books that reflect increasingly sophisticated themes and writing styles. Selections included 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, and It's Trevor Noah: Born a Crime by Trevor Noah. Teachers also reviewed grade-level summer reading expectations and writing assignments that will encourage students to analyze, reflect on, and respond to the texts.
Whether students are turning the pages of their first chapter book, keeping a summer journal, or analyzing complex literary themes, the Summer of Reading initiative encourages every student to discover the power of a great story and where it might take them.
Students and families are encouraged to share pictures of their reading adventures over the summer and visit the district’s Summer of Reading website for additional resources, activities, and reading recommendations.
Happy Reading!