The Golden Door Charter School

It is our expectation that all students will achieve –No Exceptions, No Excuses

June 25, 2008

Re: Summer Reading

Dear Parents/Guardians:

The main purpose for summer reading is enjoyment, but it is also beneficial for students to continue practicing reading skills. Attached to this letter is a suggested reading list that supports the themes that will be explored in your child’s Reading class next school year. Each student is required to select 2 books to read (one fiction and one non-fiction) and complete an attached book review for each book. Parents may either purchase their child’s books or ask their local public library if they carry these titles. Students are required to submit their book reviews to their new teacher in September. The two book reviews together will count as one test grade.

It would be helpful to assist your child in selecting those titles that are most appropriate for his/her reading ability and interest. When your child finds an author or theme that he/she enjoys, you might want to encourage your child to read more books of similar interests. You can support your child’s reading by taking regular trips to the public library. Reading can come in many forms. Encourage your child to read newspapers, magazines, comic books, cook books, etc. The main goal is to read.

Students should read at their independent reading level without frustration. If you feel the attached reading list is not appropriate you may consider a reading list that is less challenging or in an area of interest to your child. For your convenience, each grade level’s suggested summer reading list will be posted on our school’s website at www.goldendoorschool.org. Have an enjoyable summer and happy reading!

Sincerely,

Brian Stiles

Principal

P.S. Please take the time to read the attached article by Jim Trelease, author of The Read Aloud Handbook. In his article Mr. Trelease discusses a study that was done that shows the link between summer reading and overall achievement. You may visit his website at www.trelease-on-reading.com.

180 Ninth Street Jersey City, New Jersey 07302

tel. 201-795-4400 fax 201-795-3308 web address www.goldendoorschool.org