Open A Book and Take A Journey

Sen. Guglielmo, Kathleen Robertson, Union Free Library, Mr. Steven Jackopsic, Union School Principal joined by students at the annual kick off of the Governor’s Summer Reading Challenge in Hartford at the State Library.

State Honors Top-Performing Schools and Students in Annual Summer Reading Challenge

Hartford, CT – State Senator Tony Guglielmo (R-Stafford) honored students and school representatives from throughout the state including students from Union School and Ellington Middle School for their reading achievements at the recent kickoff of the annual Governor’s Summer Reading Challenge.

During a ceremony at the State Library, Sen. Guglielmo, Governor Malloy, Commissioner of Education Stefan Pryor, and State Librarian Kendall Wiggin stressed the importance of reading during the summer and recognized top-performing schools from the 2013 Summer Reading Challenge.

“Reading is a basic skill that all children should master. I love listening to my grandchildren read and enjoy very much reading with them,” said Sen. Guglielmo. “When our students learn how to read they open up a world of opportunities for a bright future.”

“The State Library is proud to be a partner with the Department of Education in promoting the Governor’s Summer Reading Challenge,” State Librarian Kendall Wiggin said. “Public libraries throughout our state are ready to welcome students offering them endless opportunities to have a great summer with a great book.”

Union School was one of 14 elementary schools from around the state to win an award for one hundred percent participation of all students in the summer reading program.

“Students who read over the summer will be ahead when they return to class in the fall,” added Sen. Guglielmo.

“I am proud to recognize all the teachers, principals, and parents who help foster a love of reading in children,” Commissioner Pryor said. “Creating a lifelong habit of reading opens the gateway to learning. It is vital that we support and enhance efforts to help every student become a proficient and confident reader.”

The Summer Reading Challenge is a statewide program coordinated by the Connecticut State Department of Education in conjunction with the Connecticut State Library. Schools compete based on student population and grade level. The program recognizes the schools with the highest participation rates and the highest number of books read per student.