At Holy Trinity, summer reading has been on their to-do lists since middle school. Teachers assign summer reading, not as a punishment, but as a tool to make the transition back into school easier. 

Many teachers like Sommer McDonald, who teaches English at Holy Trinity, value summer reading to help keep student’s minds engaged and avoid what teachers call the summer slide.  “When students are out of school for extended periods of time, they literally lose knowledge, and their brains get out of the habits of reading and thinking academically,” McDonald said. 

Teachers are aware that summer break is considered a time for off of school, relaxation, and fun for students and teachers. McDonald explains that it is obvious when students start the new school year without completing summer reading. “I proceed as if all the students have read it. It becomes obvious very fast who hasn’t done the work and that is reflected in their grades,” McDonald said. Those who have read the book and have completed the assignment benefit from it. 

“I believe that summer reading is very important. All reading benefits us as humans….the more the better, so yes I will always push or assign summer reading,” McDonald said. 

Overall, summer reading is an aid for students that encourages and benefits their minds for the upcoming school year.