Addabbo Congratulates District Students on Successful Reading Program

State Senate District 15 has highest turnout for New York State Senate Summer Reading Program

Queens, NY (October 2, 2014) – Almost 800 books and 160 students later, kids in State Senate District 15 kept their minds and literacy skills fresh this past summer, and in the end came out on top in the  number of participants throughout the state in the Senate’s reading program.

Before summer began, individual state senators reached out to local schools, offering the opportunity to enroll in the program, in conjunction with the New York State Library. Participating students kept an online journal to track their progress throughout the break from school. The online journal, used via a website created by Senate Technology Services, gives parents and children the opportunity to work together to track progress and also browse an online database filled with popular reads. This year, children living in Addabbo’s 15^th Senate District participated the most when compared to other Senate districts throughout the state.

“I am so thrilled to see these numbers. The summer gives kids the opportunity to take a break from long days and tests, but in that time, they tend to fall off the learning track. This program allows them to keep their minds stimulated in a casual, fun and effective way,” said State Senator Joseph Addabbo, Jr. “I’m so proud to represent a district in which so many students took advantage of that.”

The number of books children read ranged from three to one student who ended the summer having read 36 books. The program was open to all grades, but primarily fourth through sixth grade participated. Students received printed certificates from the State Senate as recognition of their dedication and hard work.