Dear parents of students entering grade 9:

The Billerica School District's English/Language Arts Department is once again sponsoring a high school summer reading program. All high 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. It is intended to be one of the many positive and productive activities students engage in throughout the summer.

The summer reading program this year has undergone a substantial change. For the first time in several years the summer reading list has grown to include many more options. In order to help you and your student to make good choice we have developed a list of titles that are suitable for each of the four high school years. Because that list is extensive we have chosen to publish it both on the BMHS website www.billerica.k12.ma.us/BMHS and the district website www.billerica.k12.ma.us and at www.Billericareads.org At all sites you will find the updated summer reading list. For your convenience, we have also placed several hard copies of this list in the main office of the high school.

It is important to remember, however, that this list is provided simply to offer you some guidance in your selection of books 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 student 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 high school students are required to read two books. The books you choose may come from the recommended list found at www.billerica.k12.ma.us/BMHS or www.billerica.k12.ma.us or at www.Billericareads.org or in the main office at the high school. You may also select books not contained on the recommended list. Most titles can be found in the Billerica Public Library, throughout the Merrimack 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 assignment

* This assignment will be worth two quiz grades.

* One day during the first full week of school your student will be given time to complete the summer reading essay assignment in class, based upon the notes 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 high school off on the right foot!

Please encourage your student to do his/her best work. There is no substitute for reading books carefully and to completion. With your help, we can begin your student's high school experience with a positive academic activity that will prepare them for the new challenges theyíll face in their new school, give them plenty of opportunity to begin their school year with solid grades, and provide them with another enjoyable and productive 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 studentís summer reading activity productive and successful!

Sincerely,

Mark McLaughlin

English Language Arts Coordinator

 DIRECTIONS FOR COMPLETING NOTE CARDS AND GETTING CREDIT