June, 2007

 

 

Dear Parents and Guardians,

 

Montville Public Schools is pleased to announce its continued participation in the Connecticut Governor’s Summer Reading Challenge.

 

There are many reasons why you and your child should participate by reading this summer, but the most important reason is that reading is crucial to a child’s brain development and intellectual stimulation. The ability to read and comprehend is the key that opens the doors to all other learning. Reading builds language and thinking skills that are essential in today’s world. Research shows that students who read 20 – 30 minutes per day can gain one full year’s growth during the summer months. Other studies show that students who read for pleasure over the summer make three times more progress in the next school year than students who don’t read. Therefore, to help maintain your child’s reading gains from this year to next year and extend their progress, we, the district’s teachers and administrators, encourage you to have your child read daily this summer.

 

Students who participate in the Governor’s Reading Challenge will automatically be participants in the Montville Summer Reading Program. Students who return their signed forms on time will also be invited to attend the literacy celebration planned at their school.

 

To participate:

 

1. Please work with your child to select a minimum of 2 books from the suggested grade level reading lists or select any other 2 books of your choice. You may read the books to your child or your child may read them independently depending on the age and grade level. To select books for independent reading, use this simple guideline: have your child read a page out loud and count the number of times he or she struggles to read a word accurately. If he or she makes more than 5 errors, the book is too difficult to read independently.
2. Talk with your child about the ideas presented in books, for example, ask questions about is or her favorite part of the book or about their favorite character.
3. Fill out the Governor’s form and return it to your child’s teacher at the beginning of the school year.

 

The Principals and teachers at your child’s school are busy planning the back to school activities and celebrations. You are encouraged to contact the principal or your child’s teacher if you have any questions. If you are looking for the booklists or forms, they are available on the Montville Public School website: www.montvillepublicschools.org. We all hope that you and your family have an enjoyable summer filled with fun, relaxation and reading.

 

 

Sincerely,

 

 

Claudia Danna

Language Arts Program Leader