Scroll down for course-specific assignments

Fueling Growth One Book at a Time!

Choice reading is the secret ingredient to building a true culture of literacy in our SME community. Beyond the sheer enjoyment, research shows that choice is a massive driver of academic success. According to data from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), students who read for fun outside of school consistently score higher on reading achievement tests than those who rarely do. By letting your teen steer their own literary adventures, you are helping them keep their minds sharp and completely bypass the "summer slide"—the documented loss of academic ground that happens between school years.

The Power of Independent Choice

Empowering our 9th through 12th graders to choose their own books does more than just maintain reading levels; it builds empathy, critical thinking, and a stronger sense of self. In fact, studies compiled by the American Library Association emphasize that independent reading is a major predictor of lifelong success, directly impacting vocabulary growth, comprehension, and even psychological well-being. A book chosen by a student is a bridge to new worlds and diverse perspectives, fostering a habit that extends far beyond the high school halls. Let's work together this summer to make reading about discovery, voice, and the simple joy of turning the page.

Click here for 25 books to consider for your summer reading!

Tips for summer reading at home:

• Start small: If 30 minutes seems too much, begin with 10 minutes to build a habit.

• Set a timer: Helps create structure and reduce resistance.

• Join in: Read alongside your child or read the same book separately and discuss it together.

• Encourage choice: Let kids pick what they want to read to boost motivation.

• Use audiobooks: Great for shared experiences without forcing a genre mismatch.

• Talk about reading: Ask questions, share reactions, and model your own thinking.

• Give grace: Not every book will be a hit — that’s okay.

• Leverage resources: Use open educational resources or library programs to supplement learning.

• Discuss difficult topics: If a book is contested or raises questions, use it as an opportunity for open conversation.

ASSIGNMENTS FOR SUMMER 2026 

The following summer assignments have been developed by our teachers to help prepare students for the following courses.  This work is designed to review content and/or keep students reading over the summer.  If you have questions about the summer assignment, resources, or expectations please reach out to the teacher listed for each course.

Summer assignments are meant to keep students’ skills sharp and allow students to stay on track for success right at the start of the school year.