April 14, 2008
April 14, 2008
Dear Parent(s):
We are excited about our second year of the summer reading program for grades 6-11. We hope to encourage Peotone students to do more independent reading. One of the most important skills needed in the competitive job market is reading. With growing demands placed on our students’ performance levels, we must constantly reinforce the skill of reading.
In an effort to instill the importance of reading, we have incorporated this program into our English curriculum. We require students entering grades 6-11 to read one novel over the summer before school begins. The entire English Department supports this endeavor. During the 2007-2008 school year, the department collaborated and selected appropriate leveled books as well as quality literature for the enjoyment of reading.
Promoting such a program requires many hours of preparation and organization, so in order to make the program accessible and convenient for parents and students, we will supply the novels at a discounted rate, which will be between $3.50 and $4.90. If the parent opts to purchase the book from the school district, the books will be available at the Connor Shaw Center, Peotone Junior High School and Peotone High School at the end of the school year. Parents may also choose to use the library or other retail bookseller to obtain the approved novel. Each of the surrounding libraries has been contacted and will have the novels available. In addition, English teachers will distribute a packet to each student at the end of the year. This packet will contain a reading guide including questions. Upon returning from summer break, each teacher will spend a couple of days reviewing the novel. Students will be tested, andthis will become each student’s first grade for the first quarter/trimester.
In addition, students will have an opportunity to read or work on study guides under a teacher’s supervision during the following dates over the summer. These optional sessions will be held at Peotone High School in the Media Center on July 23 & 30, and August 6 & 13 from 9:00-11:00 a.m. Students must enter the Media Center through the west doors.
In closing, the Summer Reading Program is now part of the English curriculum. We are excited about this program here at Peotone CUSD 207U and hope you will encourage your son(s) and/or daughter(s) to actively participate in this program. Listed are several suggestions for ensuring the success of your student in this endeavor.
If you have any questions about this program, please feel free to contact me at Peotone High School, 258-3236. Also, see our school website and click Summer Reading Program for more information. You will be able to download study guides, find resources for family activities, and view the guidelines.
Sincerely,