One of the goals of the Heards Ferry Elementary PTA, teachers and staff is to have students develop a passion to be lifelong learners. To help further this goal, we want to encourage reading not only during the school year, but also during the months students are away from the classroom. Thus, we have developed a new and different Summer Reading Program for all students.

 Why Read During the Summer?

Reading is the foundation for all other learning. Reading holds abounding significance for every student: it will help them to understand the ever-changing world in which we live, to define themselves as individuals, to engage their imaginations, to challenge their views, to inform their minds, to explore the unlearned, to hear different voices, and on and on and on. Through reading, students can travel to different regions and countries, explore different times, and probe the spirits and minds of others. In short, they can grow emotionally, intellectually, physically, and spiritually with every book they read! Reading also provides growth in practical values: an improved vocabulary; an enhanced ability to understand our language; and a more sophisticated, elegant style of writing and speaking.

What’s the New Program?

The new Heards Ferry Summer Reading Program will provide students and parents with a more specific list of recommended books. Each student will be asked to read a certain number of books (both fiction and non-fiction) and complete some brief assignments appropriate for their grade level; to be turned in when school resumes in August. There will be recognition, prizes and special activities for those students who complete their goal as approved by their parents and teachers. There might even be a competition for the grade that reads the most books or has the most students complete the assignment!

Parents

We are asking for your help and guidance with this new program. Summers are busy times, but studies show that children who read continually have a better transition each fall when school resumes and do better in school. Parents, please help your child select books that are appropriate for his/her interests and reading level. The lists provided for each grade are not exclusive, but are designed to guide you towards level appropriate books and those with topics that will be studied next year. You will also find these lists and forms on the school website for access throughout the summer. www.fultonschools.org/school/heardsferry/index.html

Contact Alice Marrin, HFE Media Specialist (marrinam@fultonschools.org) or Erica Ross, PTA Summer Reading Contact (eneross@bellsouth.net) with any questions.

There is more treasure in books than
in all the pirate's loot on Treasure Island.
~ Walt Disney ~