Beverly Public Schools outlines summer-reading programs for K–12 and partners with public library

School librarians and administrators told the Curriculum, Instruction & Student Life committee on June 11 that Beverly Public Schools will run coordinated summer-reading activities across grades K–12, with distinct expectations and supports at each level and close partnership with the Beverly Public Library.

At the middle-school and high-school level, media specialists Barb Fecto and Alex Wozniak described book lists, the use of the Mass Teen Choice Book Award nominees as part of the middle-school program, and a two-part requirement that asks rising 7th–8th graders to read a book from a curated list plus a graphic novel or complete a creative response that the teachers will grade. Fecto said she tells high-school students “just read anything,” and she emphasized the mental-health benefits of reading, citing a University of Sussex study she summarized for the committee.

Elementary principals said their programs are coordinated with the Beverly Public Library’s summer-reading initiatives. The elementary program requires 12 hours of reading between June 17 and Aug. 6; students use reading logs and may win prizes including gift cards and raffle tickets tied to library challenges. Library outreach in May produced dozens of new library cards after a free-book giveaway at a school cafeteria, officials said.

Administrators also said summer-reading projects are used by teachers to assign fall grades: high-school grades from summer reading are entered in Aspen and are visible to teachers. Librarians emphasized that students are encouraged to choose books that interest them, and that summer reading supports both academic retention and social-emotional benefits.

Officials said materials and handouts will be available in school offices and online via the district’s summer-reading website, and recommended families contact school librarians or the public library for help finding books or managing access.