Assemblyman Dave McDonough (R,C,I-Merrick) announced that he is sponsoring 2015 Summer Reading Challenge at elementary schools in his district. The Summer Reading Challenge is designed to encourage students to continue learning through reading during the summer months.

“Just because the school year is over doesn’t mean that students should stop reading,” McDonough said. “The Summer Reading Challenge encourages parents to read with their children, and teaches these young minds the importance of reading in their efforts to become lifelong learners.”

McDonough has distributed over 5,000 Summer Reading Challenge calendars to elementary schools throughout the 14th Assembly District. The calendar includes a list of recommended books students and their parents can read during the summer months. The recommended reading list suggests books written for students from preschool age to sixth grade, and includes categories such as adventure, fantasy, friendship, humor, mystery, poetry and sports.

During July and August, if a student marks the calendar for each day they read for at least 15 minutes and reaches at least 40 days, they may mail the calendar to McDonough’s office and receive a New York State Assembly Excellence in Reading Certificate.

“Many local school districts have agreed to distribute Summer Reading Challenge calendars to their students. Their support is essential to promote learning and reading during the summer and make this program a success,” McDonough concluded.

If you would like additional information, or want to request a Summer Reading Challenge calendar, contact McDonough’s District Office at (516) 409-2070 or email mcdonoughd@assembly.state.ny.us.