Summer Reading Letter - Cuthbertson High School

www.ucps.k12.nc.us
Dear Parents and Students,
Growing Possibilities…
Cuthbertson High School
NC Honor School of Excellence
UCPS International School
Rob Jackson, Principal
1400 Cuthbertson Road
Waxhaw, NC 28173
Phone 704.296.0105
www.cuthbertsoncavs.com
The English department of Cuthbertson High School is excited about our 2011-2012 summer reading
program, which we believe will help students find enjoyment in reading. It is through that enjoyment that
students will not only better understand literature, but they will also form a lasting relationship with literacy
and learning. Through our summer reading program, we want to celebrate diversity and appeal to and meet
the needs of an entire student body. It is in that recognition of and respect for individual tastes, abilities, and
interests that we have created reading guidelines that will allow students freedom of choice in their summer
reading.
Instead of assigning a specific book as we have done the past two years, students will have the freedom to
select a book of choice as their summer reading text for the 2011-2012 school year. As our included “Quick
Reference Guide” shows, rising ninth graders will read a non-fiction book of their choice. Rising tenth graders
will read a novel from a world author as they study world literature in English II; eleventh graders will read a
novel from an American author as they study American literature in English III; seniors will read a novel from
a British author as they study British literature during twelfth grade. We realize that some of our students may
want a list from which to choose, so we have provided, on the “Quick Reference Guide,” links to suggested
reading lists for potential books.
Because we want parents to be informed of the book their son/daughter is reading, we encourage parents
and students to review the criteria and choose the summer reading book together. Please also talk
extensively with your child about his or her reading choices to ensure the greatest enjoyment and success
possible.
The students will read their books over the summer; instruction and assessment on these books will occur
during the first two weeks of the semester to help prepare students for a class presentation, which will give
students an opportunity to share the book they have read. While the instruction and assessment criteria will
be given during the first two weeks of English class, we have included an overview of the requirements,
which we hope you will find helpful when selecting a book to read.
Book Choice – We want our students to thoroughly enjoy their reading, but we also want them to choose
their books wisely. Students should choose a text that is entertaining and/or informative, but that also lends
itself well to analysis and evaluation and is on par with the student’s ability level. Students will be spending a
lot of time analyzing their chosen text from an academic standpoint, so students should consider whether the
book has real potential to be analyzed.
Abstract / Summary – Students will be expected to give a detailed and accurate account of their book.
While there is no required writing assignment for students to complete over the summer, it would be helpful
for the student to keep a reading journal or to annotate their book to help them remember major events and
characters, for recalling the events of the book are important for the instruction and assessment that will
occur during the first two weeks when students are enrolled in English.
Analytical Ability – Students will be expected to identify major themes and literary
techniques in the book. Please reference the helpful links in the “Quick Reference Guide”
In compliance with federal law, UCPS administers all educational programs, employment activities and admissions without discrimination against
any person on the basis of gender, race, color, religion, national origin, age or disability.

www.ucps.k12.nc.us
Growing Possibilities…
Cuthbertson High School
NC Honor School of Excellence
UCPS International School
Rob Jackson, Principal
1400 Cuthbertson Road
Waxhaw, NC 28173
Phone 704.296.0105
www.cuthbertsoncavs.com
for some great information. Part of the analysis will be based on instruction students will receive at the
beginning of the semester.
Application of Instruction – Our department’s teachers will be providing instruction specific to their content
level. We expect students to be able to integrate this new information into their understanding of their chosen
texts and to include this new applied knowledge into their presentation.
Presentation Skills – All students are expected to use their presentation skills (poise, posture, voice,
articulation, etc.) when presenting their book orally in front of the class.
Product – All students will be expected to create a product based on their interpretation of the book.
Teachers within the department may vary in their requirement of the product, but they will give students the
appropriate guidelines for these upon their enrollment in English.
Finally, we would like to encourage you to ask questions of us throughout this process. We have created a
Facebook page (CHS Summer Reading) and an e-mail account (CHSSummerReading@gmail.com) that you
may access if you have questions. Our department members will be happy to answer your questions
throughout the process.
Again, we are excited about a summer reading program that will celebrate diversity and provide students with
an opportunity to select a book based on their interest and ability level. Please feel free to contact us via email
or Facebook over the summer if you have any questions.
Sincerely,
Cuthbertson High School English Department
In compliance with federal law, UCPS administers all educational programs, employment activities and admissions without discrimination against
any person on the basis of gender, race, color, religion, national origin, age or disability.