Before summer began, state senators reached out to district schools, offering the opportunity to enroll in the program, in conjunction with the state Library. Participating students kept an online journal to track their progress throughout the break from school. The online journal, used via a website created by Senate Technology Services, gives parents and children the opportunity to work together to track progress and also browse an online database filled with popular reads. This year, more children living in neighborhoods in the 15^th Senate District participated in the program than any other Senate district in the state.

“I am so thrilled to see these numbers,” said state Sen. Joe Addabbo, Jr. (D-Howard Beach), who represents the 15^th district. “The summer gives kids the opportunity to take a break from long days and tests, but in that time, they tend to fall off the learning track. This program allows them to keep their minds stimulated in a casual, fun and effective way. I’m so proud to represent a district in which so many students took advantage of that.”

While the program was open to all grades, primarily fourth through sixth graders took part. The number of books children read ranged from three, to one student who ended the summer having read 36 books.

By Michael V. Cusenza