Knox Middle School Summer Reading Project
Kimberly Gingher
Knox Middle School, Knox
Knox Middle School launched its first summer reading program to try to maintain students’ reading gains during the summer. Students involved in the project took the STAR reading test in May and will take it again in August.
Administrators and teachers decided to include sixth and seventh graders only because our building would have those students again next year and because limited funds restricted purchasing books for the entire school. Students received a paperback at the end of school to read during the summer and write a response paper. The paper would be turned in to the fall English teacher, graded, and counted toward the first marking period’s grade. AR tests for the books could also be taken in the fall. Lack of funds required the participating students to return the books so they could be used the following year.
All school year books were gathered through donations and school funds. Paperbacks were also received from the library. The books were all numbered. Library club students put a “KMS Summer Reading Program” sticker on the front of each book, and “KMS Summer Reading” was stamped inside each one as well. Because the school participates in Accelerated Reader, all the books were marked with the reading level and number of points. The PTO donated contact paper, and English teachers covered the books in an effort to keep them in the best condition possible for use next year.
In May the English teachers and librarian talked to all of the classes about the new program and also introduced to the PTO. Summer reading posters were displayed around school. A web page was created to explain how the program would work and what the requirements were for the response paper. With just a few school days left, the books were displayed in the library with different reading levels on each table. Students were then invited to choose a book and sign for their choices. The English teachers maintained a master list with the book’s title, number, and student’s name.
Students were extremely excited to choose their own books. Some read them right away and wanted to trade for another one. Others asked if they could take several books. Teachers were amazed by student reactions and very enthusiastic about the success of this program.