Assemblyman Philip Ramos (D-Central Islip) is again sponsoring his annual Summer Reading Challenge, a program that encourages parents and students to read together during the summer months.

Children who participate and read with a parent for 15 minutes a day for at least 40 days during July and August earn a New York State Assembly Excellence in Reading Certificate, recognizing their achievement. More than 120 students, parents and family members attended this past year’s recognition ceremony at the Central Islip Library.

“Even when its summertime and school’s out, kids should be reading with their parents,” Ramos said. “Whether it’s at home on a rainy day, at the park during a family picnic, or in the local library with parents or friends, reading is an important way for children to grow.”

Ramos said new worlds open when parents read to their children, and that reading helps with speech, vocabulary and pronunciation and teaches listening skills – great tools for excelling in school.

“This program begins a reading chain that lasts for life and encourages kids to read on their own,” Ramos said. “Please join me in encouraging our children to participate in the program, which paves the way for learning, achievement, and success.”

Ramos has sponsored the program every year since being elected to the Assembly. For information about the Assembly’s 2008 Summer Reading Challenge, contact your child’s teacher, librarian or Assemblyman Ramos’s District Office at 435-3214.