Dear Students,

 

The 2023 Summer Learning assignment strongly encourages students to complete tasks that ask students to read, think, and engage critically with choice texts.  The rationale for this change is communicated in Dr. Seipp's letter to families.  We've retained the same degree of choice and variety we have had in previous years.  This year the expectation is that students "prepare for tomorrow" by striving for excellence each day.  One way to do that is to read as much as you possibly can.

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We have provided you with grade-specific reading recommendations below.  We have also provided you with recommended assignments specifically designed to keep your ELA and Social Studies skills sharp.  While we highly encourage you to engage with these assignments and choose texts from our recommendation list, we also recommend you read books you find interesting.  Read authors, genres, and series-books you enjoy.  The vast majority of research regarding literacy development suggests that "volume of reading" is the most critical contributing factor to student growth.  "Volume of reading" is also directly connected to student choice.  

 

You don't have to read Shakespeare to get better in English class, but you need to read a lot to ever be ready to read Shakespeare.  I compare reading Shakespeare to sports training, to lifting a 50lb dumbbell.  You need to be able to lift the 10, 15, 20, and so on before you can lift the 50.  If you try to lift the 50 without putting in the initial work you can't expect great results.  To that end, I challenge you to train for reading. 

 

Your parents, regardless of your age, are welcome to take an active role in your reading life.  Parents may learn more about the titles you select and help you choose books on Good Reads (www.goodreads.com), Common Sense Media (www.commonsensemedia.org), and School Library Journal (www.slj.com).  These sites contain synopses, reviews, and recommend discussion questions for many, many titles.  Parents may even enjoy reading the same books and discussing the themes of each with you.

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Books are available at the Roxbury Public Library, local bookstores, or internet booksellers (Amazon, BN.com).  Audio versions of many of the titles are also available through the Roxbury Public Library.

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Note: Students who complete summer assignments will be recognized and awarded credit, equivalent to a homework grade, at the start of the school year.  

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Note: Parents, consider attending these free webinars on the topic of Summer Learning. More information and a link to these topics can be found here.

 

• What Happens Over the Summer Can Dramatically Deepen and Extend Your Children's Academic Prowess! 5 Practical Tips for Parents and Caregivers - Wednesday, June 14, 2023, from 7:00 - 7:45 PM

• If Your Child Finds Reading or Writing Hard, What Can YOu Do in the Summer to Support Their Literacy Growth? Some Tips for Parents and Caregivers - Thursday, June 15, 2023, from 7:00 - 7:45 PM.

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Attention English 1 Honors, AP Seminar,

AP Literature, and Expository Writing Students! 

You will find your REQUIRED summer reading assignment is different.  You can find it here!)