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High School Summer Reading Program.

Research shows that independent reading strengthens a student’s comprehension skills.  The Summer Reading Program at WPSD requires our High School students, including incoming freshmen, to read during their summer vacation to improve their reading skills.  We want to make this assignment as enjoyable as possible.  In addition, we want to ensure that each student is choosing books at his or her appropriate reading level.  We have included the recommended reading level for each student at the bottom of this page.

There are several ways to determine the reading level of a book.  At libraries nearly all of the books are marked with an Accelerated Reader sticker.  The color of the sticker corresponds with the reading level of the book.  You can also look inside any book that has a colored sticker on the book spine and the reading level is included inside.  If you are purchasing a book at a bookstore or have a book that is unmarked, then simply go to www.arbookfind.com and type in the title of the book.   This website will tell you the reading level.

In order to convey the importance of summer reading, we have decided to increase the weight of the grade to 10% of the first 9 Weeks Reading/Literature grade.  That means students who read two books and turn in two written reports will receive full credit for 10% of their first 9 Weeks Reading/Literature grade.  If the student does not complete the reports, then the student will not receive credit for that assignment, and it will negatively impact his/her first 9 Weeks Reading/Literature grade.

Students should choose at least 2 books at or above his/her reading level and then complete the attached AR Book Report form for each book.  These forms are also available on each High School English Teacher’s Web page.  Finally, they should use the book report form as a guide to write out each paragraph to turn in to the teacher on the first day of school.   Hopefully students will choose books that the will enjoy.  Thank you so much for your support.

There is still plenty of time left in summer to read several good books.  Just set aside a little time each day to sit down with a book. Happy Reading!