Assemblywoman Russell announces 2016 Summer Reading Challenge

Assemblywoman Addie J. Russell (D-Theresa) announced the kick-off of the Assembly’s annual Summer Reading Challenge, inviting North Country children to participate in this enriching experience.

This challenge is in partnership with the New York State Library and encourages children to continue reading during the summer, building on the educational progress they made throughout the school year.

“The importance of reading and how it helps children’s development and success cannot be overstated,” Assemblywoman Russell said. “When children read more, they not only improve their reading skills, but they become better writers and spellers as well.”

The Summer Reading Challenge also improves a child’s ability to retain what they learned during the school year. It is estimated that the average student loses a month of instruction during summer breaks, which disproportionately affects disadvantaged students.

“The Summer Reading Challenge is about reducing the summer learning loss and encouraging children and parents to make reading and learning a year-long activity,” Assemblywoman Russell said. “Making a habit of reading a little bit every day can have a tremendous impact on a student’s success. I encourage everyone to participate.”

To complete the challenge, children must read for a minimum of 15 minutes every day for at least 40 days throughout the months of July and August. Children can read alone or with a partner, marking off the days on a provided calendar. Packets with additional information about the program have been provided to the elementary schools in the 116th Assembly District.

They must mark off the days they read on a calendar and send it to Assemblywoman Russell’s office at the end of the summer. Children who complete the challenge are rewarded with the Assembly Excellence in Reading Certificate for their hard work and dedication.

Packets with additional information about the program have also been shared with elementary schools throughout the 116th Assembly District.

For more information about the program, contact Assemblywoman Addie Russell by email at russella@assembly.state.ny.us or call her office at 315-786- 0284 or visit summerreadingnys.org.