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| Wilson, APS, & Education Department Announce Summer Reading Program for APS |
April 13, 2004 |
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Albuquerque, New Mexico — Congresswoman Heather Wilson and the U.S. Department of Education today announced Albuquerque is one of 11 sites nationwide selected for a summer reading program. The Albuquerque Public School System will partner with the federal Department of Education and local organizations to run the program.
“Children who learn to read well reap lifelong rewards,” Wilson said. “I encourage students to read at least 10 books this summer and start down the path of achievement.”
“The Education Department is working with Rep. Wilson and with the Albuquerque Public School System to help children find reading to be enjoyable and make it part of their routine,” said Karen A. Johnson, assistant secretary of education for legislation and congressional affairs. “We know that students often lose some of their skills during the summer break, so it`s important to encourage children to keep up those skills.”
“This program will provide incentives to our students to keep reading during the summer. That’s the important thing,” said Dr. Beth Everitt, Superintendent of the Albuquerque School District. “Those students who read ten or more books will have the chance to win some great prizes. There are also incentives for schools that have the highest percentages of participation. The Summer Reading Achievers Program aligns with our summer school activities as well as the successful 2nd grade reading academy. It is a great way to keep our students reading and learning through the summer months.”
The No Child Left Behind Summer Reading Achievers Program encourages students in grades K-8 to read actively during the summer months and avoid the loss of reading skills that often occurs during summer vacation. The program was piloted last year by the Atlanta Public Schools, with nearly 18,000 students participating.
To participate in the program, students read 10 age-appropriate books during the summer months. Students will be required to describe briefly the books they have read by completing a simple form. Prizes and certificates will be awarded to successful students, and special recognition will be given to schools with the highest percentages of participating students.
APS will work with the department to conduct outreach and promote the program. Further details about how the program will work in New Mexico, and who will partner with APS are still being developed and will be announced later this month.
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