Children in Memphis have spent their summers challenging themselves to read. Stand celebrated their achievements on Friday by treating them to prizes, books, and school supplies at a Back to School celebration at the Hattiloo Theatre.
Roughly 61% of 3rd graders in Shelby County were not reading on grade level last year. Many children lose as much as 2-3 months of reading and spelling skills over the summer while they are not in school. Over the course of elementary school, this can put them the equivalent of nearly 3 grade levels behind their peers.
Students taking part in the Summer Reading Challenge followed weekly reading activities, attended reading events, and kept track of their progress. Denerio, a student at Leadership Preparatory Charter School, read 44 books this summer! He was very proud of his accomplishment and hopes to read 1,000 books by the end of the year.
Thanks to everyone who participated, the Shelby County Schools Family and Community Engagement Division, and the Hattiloo Youth Theatre for their stunning spoken word performances!
