The school year might be winding down, but leaders in Hempfield Area School District are hoping an event this week will build excitement around summer reading.

The Kick Off to Summer Reading event is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. today at Spartan Stadium, according to Kimberlie Rieffanacht, assistant superintendent of elementary education.

“Reading is a critical life skill that we want students to not only do well but enjoy,” Rieffanacht said. “When parents and children enjoy summer reading together, they develop a love of books that lasts a lifetime. This Kick Off to Summer Reading is designed to build excitement around reading, provide resources and support continued (development) of reading skills over the next few months.”

According to a 2020 study published in the American Educational Research Journal, students can lose between 17% and 28% of their school year English language arts gains during the summer, depending on their grade. In math, the average student loses between 25% and 34% of school year gains.

A 2019 Scholastic article noted younger children are prone to the most learning loss because they are at a crucial stage in their development.

The publishing and media company suggested kids should have access to a variety of books they enjoy reading and can fully comprehend.

During Hempfield’s event, students and families will participate in an interactive book scavenger hunt, receive a summer reading bag and celebrate those who achieved the 100-book challenge. Families are encouraged to bring a blanket or beach towel to sit on while reading together on the turf.

A Books are Magic Show will take place, and food trucks will be on site.

“The team working on organizing this event is excited to celebrate the work our young readers have been doing and kick of summer with a good book,” Rieffanacht said.

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