Dear Upper School Parents,

Enclosed are the revised Summer Reading List and Reading Response Journal Guidelines for your child.  This list has been explained in school, but it is the only copy you will receive.  Please take some time to go over the format again with your child.

Required summer reading accomplishes several objectives:  to provide an on-going exposure to reading and good literature; to provide continuing practice in reading skills and vocabulary growth during the long vacation; and to provide the structure for a few hours of quiet reading.

Although the books on the list are compiled from many sources, an attempt has been made to coordinate the contents with the subject matter and topics to be studied in history, science, or English.  Classics are included, as well as purely enjoyable novels.  In some few cases, books have been selected for their compare/contrast possibilities during class discussions and writing assignments.  For this reason there should be no substitution for the one required book.  If your child wishes to read a book that is not on the optional list, s/he must get approval from Mrs. McKay (gmckay@uplandcds.org). 

The list has been sent to local bookstores (Chester County Book Co., Borders, Toys & Tales, and Barnes & Noble).  Of course, almost all the books can be found in your local library.  The lists have been sent to the Kennett & Hockessin Libraries.

At least four reading responses, written according to the guidelines enclosed, should be completed for each book your child reads during the summer.  The journal will be the basis of all other book evaluations in English class in September and should be brought to school on the first day of classes.  Because the Summer Reading Program constitutes an important part of the first marking period grade, inadequate preparation will result in a significantly lower grade in English.

Please do not hesitate to telephone the school if you have any questions about the list or procedure.

Sincerely,
J. Clifton Edgar
Head of Upper School

this page last updated: 07-May-2008