Stay Bright – Read All Summer Long

At Hickman Mills C-1 School District, we believe every child can become a strong, confident reader. Our district goal is clear: 100% of our students will become proficient readers. Achieving this goal takes a strong partnership between school and home, and our “Stay Bright – Read All Summer Long” Summer Reading Challenge was created to help families continue learning together throughout the summer months.

As the school year comes to a close, we are encouraging all HMC-1 students to keep reading, keep growing, and keep their minds engaged all summer long. Through the Summer Reading Challenge, students can track their reading activities, complete fun literacy experiences, and register for opportunities to win exciting prizes along the way.

Why Summer Reading Matters

Research consistently shows that students who continue reading during the summer maintain and strengthen their literacy skills, while students who stop reading often experience the “summer slide,” a loss of academic progress made during the school year.

Reading for just a few minutes each day can help students:

• Build vocabulary

• Strengthen reading comprehension

• Improve writing and fluency

• Increase imagination and creativity

• Develop critical thinking skills

• Build confidence as learners

Most importantly, reading helps students develop a lifelong love of learning.

Making Reading Fun for Families

The “Stay Bright – Read All Summer Long” challenge was intentionally designed to make reading interactive, engaging, and family-centered. Students are encouraged to complete activities that connect literacy to everyday life, including:

• Reading outside

• Visiting the library

• Listening to audiobooks

• Writing stories or journals

• Participating in family reading nights

• Exploring books about hobbies and interests

These experiences help students see that reading is not just a school activity, it is something that can be enjoyable anywhere, anytime.

Families Make the Difference

Families play an important role in student success. When children see parents, guardians, siblings, and caregivers participating in reading activities, they understand that literacy matters both at school and at home.

Through this challenge, we hope to strengthen the partnership between families and schools by creating opportunities for students and families to learn, read, and grow together.

Let’s Keep Learning All Summer Long

HMC-1 is committed to doing what is necessary to support student success, and we invite every family to join us in the “Stay Bright – Read All Summer Long” challenge.

Every page read, every story shared, and every box checked helps build stronger readers and brighter futures.

Thank you for partnering with Hickman Mills C-1 School District as we continue working together to ensure every student thrives.