June 14, 2009 – The V.I. Department of Education informs parents and students that the 2009 St. Thomas-St. John District Summer Reading Adventure booklets are available online at www.sttj.k12.vi. Students are encouraged to read the grade-appropriate books on the list as well as on other available reading lists.
"Booklets have been organized according to the following levels: Primary (kindergarten-grade 3), Intermediate (grades 4-6), Junior High (grades 7-8) and High School (grades 9-12)," said District Language Arts Coordinator Cedelle Niles. The St. Thomas-St. John District Summer Reading Adventure assignments and projects will be due on Sept. 30. Upon their return to school, students who participate in the reading program will be recognized.
Niles said, "An annual activity for the district's schools, the Summer Reading Adventure encourages students to read for enjoyment during the summer months in preparation for the upcoming school year. I am pleased that there has been a heightened interest from parents and students in the program as many people are realizing the benefits of reading during the summer. The more children read, the better their skills in comprehension, vocabulary and fluency; thus, enabling them to perform better in school and on standardized tests.
"The Summer Reading Adventure Committee has coordinated a comprehensive district-wide reading program and worked diligently to compile the list of exciting novels and accompanying activities," she said.
This year's featured authors are Edwidge Danticat and Jacqueline Woodson.
For more information or to provide feedback, contact the district office at 775-2250.