Assemblyman Phil Palmesano (R,C,I-Corning) is sending an alert to all young and ambitious students throughout the 132nd Assembly District: the Summer Reading Challenge for 2013 is just around the corner.

“It seems that almost every year there is a new study that shows how important it is for kids to stay active with their academics during summer vacation,” said Palmesano. “The summer reading challenge is a great way for kids to do just that. By setting aside a few minutes each day during July and August to read, kids keep their minds active and help prepare themselves for a bright future. I hope we have another great show of participation in 2013.”

In conjunction with the New York State Library, the Summer Reading Challenge encourages kids to read for at least 15 minutes a day for a minimum of 40 days during July and August. To participate, students can get their brochure, which includes a calendar to track their progress, from their school or local library (available in the coming weeks). Once completed, parents sign-off on their child’s involvement and send the completed participation calendar to Assemblyman Palmesano. Every student who completes the program will earn an Excellence in Reading Certificate from the Assemblyman.

To honor the school with the most participation, and offer a fun reward, Assemblyman Palmesano will host an ice cream social for the elementary school that has the highest involvement, as a percentage of enrollment, the following June. Pictured above with Palmesano are several students from Erwin Valley Elementary School, in the Corning Painted Post School District, that were the Summer Reading Challenge winners in 2011. Next week, Palmesano will announce the winners of the 2012 challenge. There is a lot to gain and nothing to lose, so don’t forget to pick up your brochure for 2013!