Dear Parents,

As the school has just ended and families are heading off to all points on the globe, we want to take this opportunity to address a critical education issue: summer vacation and reading loss. Research has shown that students may suffer a two to three month loss in their reading achievement over the summer, if they are not doing any reading, while those students who do read may gain or hold their own.

The faculty and administration want see our students continue to grow in their academic skills so this summer we are initiating a Summer Reading Program. We are asking that parents assist in facilitating their child's reading by encouraging him or her to read or being read to least an hour a day. We are providing a list of suggested titles that you and your child may want to choose from which can be found in bookstores and libraries. There is a web site: www.education-world.com that lists recommended books for children by age.

As your child finishes a book, we would hope that you would list the title and author on the form below and initial it. In addition, we would like your child to choose at least one book they have read and either write a note on why it was his or her favorite, or draw a picture that illustrates something from the story. When children return to NAIS in August, they should bring the list and their note or picture with them. At that time, we plan to hold a special Reading Celebration for those students who have read ten or more books over the summer. Hopefully, the daily reading will become an important, rewarding and fun part of your child's day.

Thank-you for your support.