Lower School Sets New Summer Reading Challenge Record

At Sierra Canyon, reading is both a serious academic pursuit and a genuine source of excitement for students.

In addition to completing their assigned grade-level summer reading, 132 Lower School students completed Mrs. Cohen's Summer Reading Challenge at the highest level, setting a new participation record.

The Summer Reading Challenge encourages students to keep reading over the break through grade-level activities that introduce them to a variety of genres and themes. In Grades K–2, students worked through 12 prompts, such as reading a nonfiction book, a book with talking animals, or a story featuring sibling characters, and needed to complete 10 to qualify, a goal reached by 80 students. In Grades 3–6, 52 students completed all eight prompts on their sheets, which paired reading with short written responses, such as explaining what a poem meant to them or sharing something they learned from a biography.

This year's 132 finishers represent an increase of 34 students from last summer's 98, a nearly 35 percent increase. Students who completed the challenge were recognized with prizes including Rubik's Cubes, puzzle books, mini Tangram sets, and Slinkys.

"I am so beyond proud," said Library Specialist Mrs. Sandi Cohen. "The goal of summer reading is to continue the momentum of reading practice established during the school year. Dedicating time to read every day throughout the summer establishes a steady routine that transforms reading from a daily chore into a lifelong habit."

Reading over the summer strengthens vocabulary, comprehension, and curiosity, and those habits are now carrying into Lower School classrooms. As Sierra Canyon continues to nurture a love of reading, this year's results show what students can accomplish when school and home work together, and we look forward to watching these Trailblazers keep turning pages throughout the school year.

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