Summer Reading Suggestions & More

Dear Cathedral School Community;

 

First, I would like to express my gratitude to the Cathedral families who attended our “CSB Reads” shopping night at Books Inc. We had a lovely evening surrounded by books! Thank you to our volunteers who helped make the night such a successful event.

 

I also wanted to thank this year’s library volunteers for their ongoing support. Our volunteers not only assist in the daily maintenance of the library but they also add to its happy and welcoming vibe.

Additionally, don’t forget to explore the fantastic services at your local San Francisco Public Library branch. This year’s summer reading campaign is called “Summer Stride.” Not only do they offer reading incentives, but extensive book lists and other reading-related activities as well.

 

On that note, we know that “summer slide” is real. Research shows summer reading is essential to children maintaining their literacy skills and agility. Reading anything for just 30 minutes a day will establish the routine and ensure that they retain confidence and competence. Likewise, I hope families will still approach summer reading as recreational. Help your son find material that excites and entertains him. I never discourage students from challenging themselves or trying something new, but allowing children to embrace what they love is essential to raising lifelong readers and will help foster the daily reading practice.

 

For our part, this summer Cathedral’s faculty will be reading We Were Eight Years in Power by Ta’Nehisi Coats. We invite you to read along and let us know what you think when we reconvene in the fall. I look forward to the dialogue this book is sure to generate.

 

This year, my summer reading challenge is more of an invitation: When students return in the fall, their classes will be invited into the library to celebrate what they’ve read over our break. There will be book related games, fun activities, snacks, and favors. Students will have the opportunity to share favorite titles and personal reading goal achievements. I’m excited to “party” with the boys this fall and hear about their summer reading adventures. I will be sending out a more formal invitation to teachers and clearer guidelines when we return next year.

 

Have a wonderful summer and happy reading!

 

Alli Decker
Cathedral Librarian

 

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