West Orange Public Schools Kick Off Summer Reading Programs

Soon-to-be second-grader Emma Renwick  said she loves to read, especially mystery books such as Nancy Drew. "I like figuring the story out," she said. Emma's mother understands the importance of continuous reading. "Her dad and I encourage reading as it helps with comprehension, analytics, vocabulary and to have some much needed quiet time," said Lisa Renwick.

Students, such as Emma, can include books to their list of activities this summer as part of a West Orange Public Schools initiative to help kids keep their minds active during the lazy days of hot weather.

Incoming students in all grades within the West Orange Public Schools will have the opportunity to participate in an optional district-wide reading assignment. Students can choose from a list of more than 40 suggested books.

Thomas A. Edison Middle School, for example, has chosen The Phantom Tollbooth by Norton Juster as the summer reading project for students. The goal of this book is to give students and their families the chance to engage in quirky scenes of fantasy, while instilling valuable life lessons, according to school officials. The school's reading department also offers students a work packet to accompany the reading.

In a letter home to parents, Deborah Bartley-Carter, West Orange Public Schools district language arts supervisor, said that while reading the suggested books, students maintain a journal to keep track of technical standards. These include plot circumstances, themes and settings so they will be able to apply such skills in preparation for future state assessments. Students who choose to participate also will have the ability to earn extra credit in their first marking period. 

Gregory Elementary School Principal Michele Thompson introduced a reading program that gives first through fifth graders the opportunity to choose from seven different projects.

"At the end of the summer, it is hoped that the project selected will be a positive and valuable learning experience," said Thompson. Students who complete the project will earn extra credit and receive a certificate of achievement upon returning to school in September.

Christine Hyder said her daughter Sophie Hyder, a Gregory Elementary School third grader, already is delving into books.

"She loves reading outside on a beautiful summer day," said Hyder. "She is also working on a summer journal, part of the reading program, that will be submitted in September." 

Sophie said the program is "a great way to make reading and writing fun over the summer."

Every school throughout the township's public schools district has launched a summer reading initiative in an effort to keep students involved in developing critical comprehension and language arts skills, according to school officials. Parents and students can visit the West Orange Board of Education for more information about summer reading programs.