Approximately 450 students at the Erwin Valley Elementary School will be treated to an ice cream party Friday, compliments of Assemblyman Phil Palmesano (R,C,I – Corning), who is rewarding the students for the highest participation rate in the assemblyman’s 2011 Summer Reading Challenge.

“Congratulations to the students of Erwin Valley Elementary for all their hard work and to all the other kids throughout the region who participated in the Summer Reading Challenge! This program provides a great opportunity to encourage children to continue learning during the summer months,” said Palmesano. “While kids look forward to time off from school work, reading can keep their minds working and helps them prepare for the upcoming school year.”

Palmesano also will be hosting an ice cream party for the winner of this year’s 2012 Summer Reading Challenge. The school with the highest percentage of students participating will win, so all schools have an equal chance of winning, no matter the size of their enrollment.

To participate in this year’s challenge, parents or guardians mark the calendar on the Summer Reading brochure provided to them at school for each day in July and August that the student reads. If they mark 40 or more days, they earn a New York State Assembly Excellence in Reading Certificate. Additional brochures are available from Assemblyman Palmesano’s district office by calling 607-776-9691.

“Congrats to the students of Erwin Valley for winning the 2011 Summer Reading Challenge,” said Michael Ginalski, Superintendent of Corning-Painted Post School District. “I’d also like to thank Assemblyman Palmesano for his generosity in recognizing the efforts of our students. June 15 will be a great day at Erwin, thanks to Assemblyman Palmesano.”

“I am thrilled with the student participation in the summer reading challenge and thankful for the wonderful treat for my students,” said Kate Merrill, Erwin Valley Principal.

“Thank you again to all the kids and their parents who participated in last year’s challenge,” said Palmesano. “I encourage all of our kids to continue their learning and reading this summer by participating in the 2012 Summer Reading Challenge. Reading is fun, and I thought providing an ice cream party would be a friendly incentive to encourage kids to read throughout the summer.”