Raptors Rest, Relax, & Read
The EHS Summer Reading Program 2019
General Information
Curious about our TITLE LIST for this year?
This year Eaglecrest High School is entering the seventh year of the Raptors Rest, Relax, and Read Summer Reading Program, an initiative designed to help its students succeed. It is an expectation of all incoming and returning Eaglecrest students that they will read at least one book this summer. To design this program, we have looked at research and successful programs throughout the country to help best meet the needs of our students.
Why do we have to do this?
Many students and parents may ask this question when they are told of this requirement, but we have only the best intentions for Eaglecrest students. In the past, we have only expected students in our AP and Honors classes to read over the summer break. However, in keeping with the Eaglecrest mission that each and every student achieves college success, we want to hold high expectations for all Raptors. Of course, we also want to instill a love of reading for pleasure in our students so that they may continue to develop into life-long learners.
What is required?
All students will be required to read one book over the summer. Your child may choose the book from our recommended list of titles, but if your child would prefer to read a book not listed, he or she is welcome to do so (given that the book is of an appropriate level for a high school student). Students enrolled in an Honors/AP Language Arts class must read a prescribed book not part of the Raptors Rest, Relax, and Read program.
While efforts have been made to choose highly acclaimed, appropriate, and meaningful books for your child, some books may contain mature content. As stated in the American Library Association’s (ALA) Library Bill of Rights, only parents/guardians maintain the right and responsibility to restrict their student’s access to library resources, including inter-library loan selections (Section 53.1.4). We encourage parents/guardians to be actively aware of their student’s resource selections.
How will my child be held accountable for reading?
Research shows that while students need accountability, reading should be as enjoyable as possible. Students should be prepared to write about and/or discuss the books they read in their English classes some time during the first week of school. Specifics regarding this writing and/or discussion will be decided upon and shared by each English teacher.
Honors and AP students will have their own summer reading assignments and will not need to complete an assignment for the Raptors Rest, Relax, and Read program.
How can my child get a book?
You have several ways you can obtain the books for this program. You can purchase books on your own, or you can borrow these books from your local public library or school library.
What if my child moves into Cherry Creek Schools during the summer?
We expect that all students who will be attending Eaglecrest High School in August will complete the requirements, but we understand that if a student moves into the district at a later date, he/she will not have as much time to complete the reading. These students will be given extensions by their teachers in August, but these students must still read a book for the Raptors Rest, Relax, and Read program.
Happy Reading!
This program is an exciting endeavor we hope to improve every year! If you have questions or comments, please contact Hollie Hawkins, EHS Teacher Librarian, at hhawkins@cherrycreekschools.org, or Doug Cole, EHS Language Arts Coordinator, at dcole12@cherrycreekschools.org.
