“Summer slide” is a term used to describe the loss of academic progress that can occur when students are out of school all summer and don’t continue to learn. Students tend to slide backwards over the summer when they don’t read, and the cause is often a simple lack of access to books. It is critical to the educational growth of each child that they are able to read throughout the summer. Unfortunately, many students do not have collections of books at home.
The staffs of Goshen Local Schools’ Marr/Cook Elementary and Spaulding Elementary buildings are trying to combat the issue of summer slide.
“We have to get books in our students’ hands and empower them as readers.” said Literacy Specialist, Tori Herrera. “We have to get out the message to our students and parents that a love of reading is the best indicator of future success in school, and that reading needs to be a priority over the summer.”
A book drive is being held at both schools from May 2 to May 18 in order to collect new or gently used books to send home with students.
Books can be sent to school with Marr/Cook or Spaulding students. They can also be dropped off in the office of both schools. Serendipity Salon in Milford is another drop off location. The more books received, the more students that benefit!