HERBST ANNOUCES FIRST SELECTMAN’S SUMMER READING CHALLENGE
First Selectman and School Administration partner to support student summer reading program
First Selectman Timothy M. Herbst and school officials announced plans for the First Selectman’s Summer Reading Challenge, which will begin in the summer of 2012. Over the course of the summer, students entering fourth, fifth and sixth grade who successfully read four books during the summer and complete the summer reading challenge will meet with the first selectman, discuss their favorite book and participate in an awards ceremony and recognition event at Town Hall. “It was once said that reading is to the mind what exercise is to the body,” stated First Selectman Herbst, “it is important for our community to recognize the importance of reading, especially among children during their formative years of education. Summer vacation should not be a time to stop learning, but rather an opportunity to continue that pursuit.” School Superintendent Ralph Iassogna also commented on the critical importance of reading in the summer months. “The summer reading challenge is a superb incentive to encourage students to pursue their reading interests throughout the year, particularly in the summer months.” Assistant Superintendent of Schools Gary Cialfi also commented that “today’s readers are tomorrow’s leaders.” Terry Buckingham, Program Leader for Language Arts in the Trumbull Public School System, also weighed in when she stated, “I join the teachers, administrators and First Selectman in wishing our students a love of books and reading,” said Buckingham. The First Selectman thanked the school system for collaboration in helping to promote the program.
The First Selectman’s Summer Reading Challenge is designed to stimulate Trumbull youth to continue to read during the summer and also serves as a collaborative method to work with school officials in promoting literacy and expanded learning when school is not in session. At the end of the summer, those students who successfully complete the summer reading program will meet with the first selectman, discuss their favorite book and participate in an awards ceremony and recognition event at Town Hall.