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Summer Reading

Summer Reading

 

Dear South Colonie Families,

As we head into the summer months, we encourage all of our students to keep reading! Summer is a wonderful time to relax, explore new interests, and most importantly, continue building strong literacy skills in a way that feels joyful and engaging.

Research reveals that when students stay connected to reading over the summer, they are more likely to maintain, and even grow, their reading skills, helping them transition back to school in September with confidence. Without regular reading, students can experience what is often called “summer slide,” or a loss of reading progress. However, keeping reading light, fun, and meaningful can make all the difference. 

When it comes to summer reading, motivation and enjoyment matter most. Reading should not feel like a chore. Instead, we want students to discover the joy of stories, information, and ideas in ways that excite them.

Please feel free to use the resources below to support your child’s reading this summer. Thank you for your continued partnership in supporting your child’s learning.

Wishing you a happy, relaxing, and book-filled summer!

Sincerely,
Melissa Judge, K-12 Humanities Supervisor

 

A person dressed as the Cat in the Hat reads to a group of children in a classroom.

A young girl browses a bookshelf filled with colorful books in a library.

Summer Library Family Hours

Shaker Road Elementary

Wednesdays 2:30 p.m. - 6 p.m. July 1-22, August 12, and September 2

Forest Park Elementary

Tuesdays 3 p.m. - 6 p.m. July 7- August 18 (except 7/21)

Roessleville Elementary

Tuesdays 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. July 7 - August 18

Saddlewood Elementary

Wednesdays 12 p.m. - 3 p.m. July 1-7, July 22, August 5, August 26, September 2

Lisha Kill Middle School

Thursdays 3 p.m. - 8 p.m. July 2, July 16, July 30, August 6, August 20, August 27

Sand Creek Middle School

Mondays 8:30 a.m. - 12 p.m. July 20 - August 17

Colonie Central High School

Tuesday & Thursdays 1 p.m. - 4 p.m. July 21 - August 20
A person sits in a library, looking at a book spine near bookshelves.
Two young boys look at books in a library setting.
A young girl with blonde hair stands in a store, holding a package.
Children gather around looking at a book while outside

Simple Ways to Support Reading

Offer Choice and Explore Widely (Students K–12)

  • Let students choose what they read: books, magazines, graphic novels, informational texts, joke books, novels, biographies, memoirs, or articles
  • Explore a variety of genres: fiction, nonfiction, poetry, biographies, comics, historical fiction, science writing, fantasy, current events, and more—all reading counts!

Try Different Formats (Students K–12)

  • Audiobooks, e-books, and read-alouds are wonderful ways to build comprehension and enjoyment
  • Different formats increase access, especially during travel or busy summer schedules

Read and Talk Together (Students K–4)

  • Share reading experiences to deepen understanding and create meaningful conversations
  • Ask questions, share reactions, and encourage thinking about what was read

Promote Thinking and Discussion (Students 5–12)

  • Ask students about what they're reading, what they find interesting, surprising, or challenging
  • Encourage connections and sharing of opinions

Connect Reading to Real Life (Students 5–12)

  • Watch a related documentary, research a topic of interest, or discuss themes to deepen understanding and engagement

Keep it Flexible (Students K–12)

  • Start small with short, enjoyable reading moments to build lasting habits
  • Even short, consistent reading opportunities help maintain skills and build positive habits

 

Reading Resources

  • William K. Sanford Town Library

    629 Albany Shaker Road Loudonville, NY 12211

  • American Library Association

    The 2026 Summer Reading Lists are available now.

  • Caldecott Medal Books

    A list of every Caldecott Medal Book to date. Awarded annually to the most distinguished American picture book for children.

  • Coretta Scott King Book Awards

    A list of every Coretta Scott King Book to date that recognizes outstanding books by African American authors and illustrators.

  • Newbery Medal Award Books

    A list of every Newbery Medal Award book to date. Awarded to the author of the most distinguished contribution to American literature for children.

  • Epic

    A secure reading app designed for kids.

  • Libby

    Free audiobooks, ebooks, and magazines that you can borrow through your own library.

  • Sora

    Search for South Colonie Central School District to use this reading app for K‑12 students.

Summer Incentives

  • The BOOK IT! Program 

    Founded in 1984 by Pizza Hut, BOOK IT! is a reading incentive program designed to inspire children to develop lifelong reading habits and discover the joy of reading. Children who meet their reading goals can earn a free one-topping Personal Pan Pizza each program month from Pizza Hut. 

  • Accelerate Youth

    Earn up to $60 per year!

    Members with Youth Accounts, age 18 and younger, can earn up to $60 by doing activities throughout the year. Six incentives encourage young people to expand their horizons and gain knowledge for life. For each activity they complete, they receive a $10 reward!

    Check out the current incentive and see details for all of them here.

    • Winter Reading: January – February 
    • Financial Education: March – April 
    • Community Service: May – June 
    • Report Card Rewards: July – August 
    • Fitness: September – October
    • Veteran/Senior Letters: November – December 

    To receive the $10 reward, submit the online form - no need to visit a branch!

  • Page Turning Pro Award

    Make your child feel proud of every page they turn with the Page Turning Pro Award from Chuck E. Cheese! When your reading star keeps up the great work and shows outstanding effort, they’ll earn more than just bragging rights—they’ll be rewarded with 10 Free Play Points to use on their next Chuck E. Cheese adventure!

  • Summer Reading Program

    Fostering a love of reading and its rewards, the Barnes & Noble Summer Reading Program is popular with students in first through sixth grades and educators throughout America.

    Participation is a fun and easy way for kids to earn free books. They simply read a designated number of books – library books, books borrowed from friends or books bought at Barnes & Noble – write about their favorite part in our Reading Journal, and bring a completed Reading Journal to a Barnes & Noble bookstore. Children then choose their free book from the books listed on the Reading Journal and collect their free book from a store near them during July and August. 

     

Keeping Kids Engaged with Summer Reading

"When it comes to summer reading, motivation and enjoyment matter most. Reading should not feel like a chore. Instead, we want students to discover the joy of stories, information, and ideas in ways that excite them."

Melissa Judge, K-12 Humanities Supervisor