Published Wednesday, April 30, 2008 11:08 AM
Updated Wednesday, April 30, 2008 11:09 AM

 

GCHS begins new summer reading program

Goose Creek High School Principal Jimmy Huskey has an ambitious goal: increase student interest in summer reading at a time when studies show that reading rates among youth are declining nationwide.    

He has a plan, one that is supported with grant funding, and that includes a few new ideas, not mention some incentives to lure students into opening their summer reading books before Labor Day weekend.

The program, which is based on a similar initiative used by Spartanburg High School, is already underway. Last week, all students that will be at the high school next year – including eighth graders, had the chance to choose, from a list of six titles, which books they want to read this summer.

The school paid for books – about 2,000 in all – with funds from three foundation grants. Students will receive their book of choice in May, when parents will also be able to obtain free copies at the school's office during regular business hours.  

The titles cover a broad range of interests and were selected by members of the school improvement committee, which includes parents, teachers and students. They include “Jimi and Me” by Jaime Adoff, a coming of age tale; “The Magician's Nephew” by C.S. Lewis, which is the opening book in the Narnia series; and “The Pact” by Sampson Davis, a nonfiction book about three young black men from an intercity neighborhood who made a promise to each other that helped each of them obtain successful careers in medical fields.

On Sept 4, Adolf will visit the school to give a presentation about his book during a student assembly. He will also be on hand for a community-wide event later that evening.

After Adolf's speech, the students will divide into small groups to discuss each book.  If they choose, the students can later turn in a book report and earn five extra credit points, which they can apply to any of their classes.

The more ambitious students can choose to read all five titles. If they pass a short test on each book at the beginning of the school year, these students will win a “gold card” that will give them free entry into any five school events, like football games or dances.  They will also be entered into a raffle for another, more valuable prize that has yet to be announced.

For the next few years, the program will be covered by grant money, but after that, Huskey says that the school will have to pay for it to continue.  The books themselves, along with the cost of bringing an author to speak at the school and other related expenses cost between $10,000 to $15,000 a year.

Huskey has already started raising funds and is asking for community support. Checks should be made out to Goose Creek High School Parent Teacher Association, or “GCHS PTSA,” marked for “summer reading program” and sent to Goose Creek High School at 1137 Red Bank Road, 29446. Donations are tax detectable and receipts will be available at the main office.

Huskey believes the program is a good investment.

“Studies have shown that kids that read more perform better in school and their more successful, so we're excited about doing this program,” he said.  

He sees the program as part of a school district wide push to emphasis literacy in the classroom. “We're tying to do get students more involved in reading,” he said.

Jared Goyette can be reached at jgoyette@goosecreekgazette.com or at 830-9181