Eighth Annual Governor’s Summer Reading Challenge To Launch June 8

The Office of the Governor in partnership with the Virgin Islands Department of Education will launch the 8th Annual Governor’s Summer Reading Challenge on Wednesday, June 8 and it will run through September 23, 2016, according to D.O.E.

The annual activity challenges students in grades K-6 attending the territory’s public, private, and parochial schools to read five or more books during the summer months in an effort to encourage and promote literacy.

In a special letter to students, Governor Mapp writes, “The Governor’s Summer Reading Challenge is a reflection of my certainty that reading is a fundamental skill that will serve you throughout your life. Let your imagination run wild as you contemplate novels, histories, adventures, biographies of interesting people, or even comic books. Just about any book that you read will advance your most basic skill, and stimulate your mind to grow more curious as all your learning skills develop.”

Launch events are scheduled at schools on St. Croix and St. Thomas on Wednesday, June 8, 2016. Education and Government House officials will be in attendance to distribute books to students and to get them excited about participating in this year’s Challenge.
St. Croix School District
Eulalie Rivera Elementary School
Grove Place
June 8 at 12:30 p.m. – Outdoor Amphitheater

St. Thomas-St. John School District
Joseph Sibilly Elementary School
June 8 at 10:00 a.m. – Outdoor Amphitheater

To kick-start their summer reading, students are provided with up to two of five books based on their grade level. While the Governor’s Summer Reading Challenge is a national initiative of governors from across the country, the Virgin Islands’ Challenge is unique in that students receive books written and illustrated by Virgin Islands’ or Caribbean authors and illustrators.

The 2016 Reading Challenge books include: Where Did the Baby Go? by David and Phillis Gershator, We Are Pirates/Somos Piratas by Adrian Guerra, Brown Pelicans, Broo ‘Nansi and the Tar Baby collected and written by Dr. Lois Hassell-Habtes and Caribella by Phillis Gershator. Students are encouraged to visit their local libraries for additional books. Students must keep track of the books they read on the tracking sheets provided in their book packages or by downloading tracking sheets online. At the end of the Challenge, participating students are invited to attend celebrations in their respective island district.