Castle Rock's hopes high for summer reading
Monday, September 1, 2008 10:29 AM PDT
By Barbara LaBoe
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E-mail this articleCastle Rock students appear to be doing a better job with their summer reading assignment this year — and those who haven't better hit the books soon.
At a recent school board meeting, English teacher Sue Strickland reported that more students are showing up at the library nights held as part of the program. She also said there were enough books for all incoming freshmen and sophomores to check out a copy from the school for the summer.
In addition, Castle Rock High School Principal Jenny Risner said a parent whose child transferred into the district this summer called the school asking about the program so she could get her child a book.
Last summer, all incoming sophomores were required to read Mark Twain's "The Adventures of Tom Sawyer" and then take a test when school started. The results were dismal - none of the students received an A for the assignment, even with make-up test opportunities. But school officials said the program was important enough to not only retain but also to expand.
Board member Glen Paget said two parents have thanked him for making their children read during the summer.
This year's sophomores had to read the same book as last year's sophomores. Incoming freshmen were given Jack London's "The Call of the Wild."
Both sets of students will be tested at the start of school. They also must keep a journal and write an essay. Officials gave students a more detailed outline of what they should be looking for and believe students will take the assignment more seriously, Strickland told the board.
School starts in Castle Rock on Tuesday.
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