Summer Reading Fun!

Terraset ES Library was abuzz today for its first Summer Reading Program meeting! Over 30 kids arrived to participate. Spearheaded by Bettina Forman and Maria Newman – both specialist teachers at Terraset – the program provides an opportunity for Terraset students to keep up their reading and friendships during the long summer break.

Mrs. Newman reads with Jazmine

Thanks to Mrs. Newman and Mrs. Forman, Terraset was also selected to participate in the USDA Summer Food Service Program. This means the kids can have breakfast before they join in the reading activities, and then enjoy lunch before they leave the school. “Nutrition is a key factor in summer academic retention” Mrs. Newman said. “Any child, 18 and under, can come for a free breakfast or lunch, Monday through Friday, until August 17^th.”
 

Ms Trout admires an illustration by Genesis

Today we saw over ten Terraset teachers, all volunteering their time to support participants. In addtion, there was a strong showing of high school and middle school volunteers. All around the library children were reading, playing, building and talking. Undoubtedly, they were happy to be there. Participants were also encouraged to borrow school library books so they can continue to read at home.

Mrs. Forman reads to the group

Terraset has progressively enjoyed significant improvement in Developmental Reading and Standards of Learning test results. In no small way, this can be attributed to the efforts made by Terraset teachers. Throughout the year the Terraset Leadership Team organizes in-house staff development that encourages teachers to explore effective and enjoyable ways to help students improve their reading and writing. The Summer Reading Program is another example of the efforts our teachers are making to help our kids continue to develop. Indeed... this program is so much more than that... it is evidence of how our teachers care about the "whole child". Their constant work to find ways for all students to be successful cannot go unnoticed.

The Summer Reading Program is set to run each Tuesday and Thursday from 9:30 to 11:30 am. The Summer Food Services Program offers FREE breakfast (served 9:00-10:00) AND lunch (served 11:30-12:20), Monday to Friday. Both programs will run through August 17^th.