Hawks Introduce New Summer Reading Program

media specialists Julie Hatcher and Mary K. Donovan hope a new program will get students excited about summer reading assignments.

“We just want to encourage reading for the love of reading,” Donovan said.

The program, MC Reads, is designed to allow students greater choice in selecting books, remove the pressure of graded assignments and encourage students to read for pleasure. Instead of being the exclusive purview of the language arts department, the new summer reading program involves every teacher, counselor, media specialist and administrator in the school, including who Hatcher and Donovan say has been very supportive.

“MC Reads is, I believe, going to be very special as soon as we can convince all of the kids that reading for themselves can be a joy filled experience," Markham said in an emailed statement.

For his book, Markham selected “Mr. Midshipman Hornblower” by C.S. Forrester. Donovan and Hatcher said several students have already signed up to take part in a discussion of the book with Markham.

Markham is a long-time fan of the Hornblower series of books.

“I read these books over and over again as a teenager,” Markham said. “Forrester has the gift of being able to transport you to the scene being described in his works.”

Each faculty and staff member was allowed to select a book to read over the summer. Books range from young adult titles such as “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows” to heavier fare such as “The FairTax Book.” Students were given a form and allowed to list their top five choices. Books are being assigned on a first-come, first-served basis.

This August, when students return from summer break, group discussions will be held for each book.

“There’s no grade attached to it, no project. It’s just plain old discussion,” Hatcher said.

Donovan hopes that by giving students a greater number of choices, participation will increase.

“We found a lot of kids weren’t doing summer reading when it was assigned,” she said. “They were starting off the school year with zeroes or really bad grades.”

With the pressure of grades removed, Donovan and Hatcher hope students will be able to enjoy one of the 198 different book titles being offered this summer.

“Everybody should find something to read that they will like,” Hatcher said.

For more on the Mill Creek summer reading program, visit the school’s website.