SUMMER READING

Dear Parent(s) / Guardian(s):

I do hope that this letter finds you and your family doing well. I am reaching out today to discuss what the Verona High School summer reading initiative will look like this year as we continue to emerge from the disruptions caused by COVID-19. In the past, we have had our summer reading aligned to an annual, overarching theme and then students had some choice in picking a book from a limited number of predetermined titles. This year, we believe independent reading in all non-AP courses, whereby students have free choice to read a book that interests them, is the most appropriate course of action. At this time, becoming engrossed in a good book that genuinely excites us might be precisely the welcome diversion that some of us need after this past year and its numerous challenges. Please click here to read more about the benefits of independent reading and student choice.

At this time, we would like to make the book inventory of the VHS library available to as many students as possible. Please be advised that any books acquired through the VHS Library need to be signed out by June 24th, 2021. To check out a book students can stop by the library while in school or use the hold system in our Destiny Card Catalog to check out books. For information on how to put a book on hold prior to June 24th please see this video. Our media center specialist, Mrs. Malespina, will then contact the students via their email address to offer options on how to acquire the newly checked out books.

Alternatively, families may still opt at this time to support local bookstores or browse for a title at the Verona Public Library.

The VHS Summer Reading site also shares information about the summer reading assessment.

Students will be asked to complete this Pre-Reading Reflection form by June 25th. During the summer, simply read and enjoy your book. Book annotations are suggested, as these will help you participate in a meaningful conversation about these books when the school year begins. Once the book is finished, students are asked to complete this Post - Reading Reflection form by Friday, September 17th.

As we see light at the end of the tunnel and begin to emerge from a pandemic, we hope that reading continues to be a positive outlet whose practice can help engage our young people during the summer months, increase their enjoyment as they read for pleasure and lower stress & anxiety levels by getting lost in a good book. Should you have any questions pertaining to the reservation and distribution of a book for your child, please do not hesitate to contact me at sschels@veronaschools.org or text or call Mrs. Elissa Malespina, our media center specialist, at 862-231-3790. I wish all of you safety and continued good health this summer.

Sincerely,

Steve Schels

Supervisor of Humanities

Verona School District

sschels@veronaschools.org