May 19, 2022
Superintendent Grenita Lathan is issuing a challenge: read more.
Springfield Public Schools students in kindergarten and first-grade will receive up to six books to keep as part of Dr. Lathan’s summer reading challenge. Students will receive a bag of books before leaving for the summer, empowering them to read more over summer break.
“Summer is a great time for children to explore books and develop their reading skills, so we are pleased to provide this assortment of free books to inspire your young reader,” Dr. Lathan wrote in a note accompanying each book packet. “From an educator’s perspective, I believe reading is one of the best strategies to prevent students from falling behind. Children who read regularly during the summer will be better prepared to return to the classroom in August.”
Through May 25, every K-1 student will receive a bag of Scholastic books to take home to keep this summer.
In total, 3,600 packets containing 21,600 books will be distributed, along with an invitation for learners to attend Explore and read even more, with a special guest. Students who participate in Explore will have a chance to meet Clifford the Big Red Dog during the SPS reading celebration.
“The only thing I enjoy more than reading myself is encouraging others, especially children, to experience the joy of reading,” said Dr. Lathan.
