Dear Parents of entering 6th grade students:

The Billerica School District's English/Language Arts Department is once again sponsoring a middle school summer reading program. All middle school students are required to participate in this program, which provides them with valuable opportunities to engage in productive, academic activities over the long summer months. The summer reading program is intended to expose students to quality literature that they may not encounter during the regular school year, and to help students perceive a link between the end of one school year and the start of another, in terms of academic expectations. And on top of that, it is supposed to be fun! It is a positive and productive activity to be added to all the others students engage in throughout the summer.

The summer reading program this year has undergone a substantial change. For the first time in many years your student is free to read any book of his or her choice. In order to help you make that choice we have developed a list of titles that are suitable for middle school students. Because that list is extensive we have chosen to publish it on our middle school literacy website www.Billericareads.org. Once at the site, simply click the middle school page and you will find the recommended summer reading list. For your convenience, we have also placed several hard copies of this list in the main office of each middle school.

It is important to remember, however, that this list is provided simply to offer you some guidance in your selection of a book for summer reading. You may choose a book not contained on this list as well. In the directions that follow, you will see what the expectations for summer reading are and in them learn how you can help your child perform to his/her personal best. Again, the important point to keep in mind is that reading is a powerful way to keep young minds engaged, particularly over the long summer, and that by reading books students will continue to be thinking, imagining and learning new skills important to their future success.

* During the summer all Billerica middle school students are required to read one book. The book you choose may come from the recommended list found at www.BillericaReads.org or in the main office at each middle school. You may also select a book not contained on the recommnended list. Most titles can be found at the Billerica Public Library, throughout theMerrimack Valley Library Consortium (MVLC - for access, see attached directions), and at bookstores throughout the area.

* Attached you will find a copy of the directions for completion of the summer reading essay assignment.

* This assignment will be worth ONE quiz grade.

* One day during the first full week of school your child will be given time to complete the summer reading essay assignment in class, based upon the note cards s/he has prepared according to the directions provided in this letter.

* The teacher will evaluate the assignment for completeness and accuracy and will assign a quiz grade accordingly. What a simple way to start middle school off on the right foot!

Please encourage your child to do his/her best work. There is no substitute for reading books carefully and to completion. With your help, we can begin your child's secondary school experience with a positive academic activity that will prepare them for the new challenges they'll face in their new school, give them plenty of opportunity to begin their school year with solid grades, and provide them with another fun activity to keep them occupied over the months to come.

If you have any questions regarding this program, its requirements, or the above directions, please call Mark McLaughlin at (978) 436-9327 (direct line) or (978) 436-9300 (district receptionist) and your call will be returned. Thank you for helping us make your child's summer reading activity fun, productive, and successful!

Sincerely,

Mark McLaughlin

English Language Arts Coordinator