Dear Neighbor,

Just because school is out doesn’t mean we have to stop learning or reading. Studies have shown that children who continue to read during the summer perform better in school in the fall. To encourage our children to continue reading during the summer, I have set up the Summer Reading Challenge. Mark the enclosed calendar for each day in July and August that you and your child read together. When there are 40 or more days marked off, your child has earned a New York State Assembly Excellence in Reading Certificate. Fill out the back of this brochure and return it and the calendar to me. I’ll see that your child receives a certificate.

A good source for reading materials is your local public library. Libraries through-out the state are participating in the New York State Library’s Statewide 2006 Summer Reading Program, entitled "Books: A Treasure!"

Thank you and happy reading!

To receive your certificate, please have your parents complete the above form and send it with the attached calendar to:

Assemblymember
Vivian E. Cook
142-15 Rockaway Boulevard
Jamaica, New York 11436
(718) 322-3975