A summer reading program initiated at Quigley Elementary School four years ago continues to show positive learning growth for students. 

Participation among students has increased from 436 to 789 since the library was opened during July and August on Wednesday mornings for students to pursue reading and keeping up with their literacy skills. 

The school said that the response was positive with over 30 students showing up on the first morning of the program.

Kim Grimwood, principal of Quigley Elementary, said the genesis behind the initiative is addressing the fact many students experience the 91裸聊视频渟ummer slide91裸聊视频� which can happen when students are not actively engaging with their education for an extended period of time 91裸聊视频� like summer vacation

In a presentation to Central Okanagan trustees at the board of education meeting Wednesday (Jan. 22), Grimwood, who was joined by school librarian Sarah Murdoch=Black and learning assistance teacher Alana Hanet, said Quigley staff members assist with book exchanges and read with the students. 

She noted that participating students in the summer reading program tend to show an increase in their reading levels when returning to class in September, while others who did not attend the library sessions tend to either show zero reading growth or a decrease in reading levels. 

Beyond reading ability, Grimwood said another benefit has been introducing Kindergarten students to the school, making them comfortable with the school surroundings with their visits to the library, so there introduction to school in September is less stressful.

Grimwood said the impact of the program is felt most with middle- and low-income families. 

"We see that by Grade 6, the gap between students in their reading skills can be up to three levels," she noted.  

The program has also created an avenue to provide support for the community in ways that extend beyond simply being the place where students go to school and attend class, but becoming an engaging asset for families to benefit from outside of regular school hours. 

That participation is reflected in the support the program has received from local businesses to provide toast and jam and other treats for breakfast, and help stock a community fridge with fruit, vegetables and dairy products. 

"The community support for our endeavour has been tremendous," Grimwood noted. 

Trustee Lisa Guderyan noted the program also enables students to see stay connected with their friends over the summer, and the value of a school library as a community venue to help maintain that friendship connection.