Summer Reading Program
Panthers Are WILD About Reading!
2026 Summer Reading Program Has Ended
The 2026 Summer Reading Adventure has ended. Thank you to all of our Panthers who participated and spent the summer reading!
Information about the 2027 Summer Reading Adventure will be posted in Spring 2027.
About the Summer Reading Adventure
The Summer Reading Adventure is an optional program designed to help VPE students maintain the reading skills they learned during the school year while having fun reading over the summer.
In 2026, the program ran from May 24 through Aug. 12. Information about the 2027 program will be posted in Spring 2027.
2026 Program Information
During the 2026 program, students could choose one of three reading trails. Students completed the activity for their chosen trail and submitted the completed activity through PTO Forms.
2026 Reading Trails
Trail 1: Jungle Cub
For recent and incoming kindergarteners. This trail was designed for our littlest Panthers! Students drew a picture representing a book they read or listened to during the summer. Students who submitted a coloring page were invited to the Summer Reading Celebration and received a certificate and a cool treat.
Trail 2: Casual Traveler
Casual Traveler 3-Book Tracker
For students who enjoy reading but don't track their reading minutes. Students recorded three books they read during the summer. Students who submitted the 3-book tracker were invited to the Summer Reading Celebration and received a certificate and a cool treat. Students on this trail were not eligible for reading prizes.
Trail 3: Ultimate Explorer
For students ready to go the extra mile. Students used the minutes log to track the time they spent reading throughout the summer. Students who submitted a completed Ultimate Explorer Minutes Log were eligible to compete for prizes. Gift cards were awarded to the top three students in each grade and the top three students across the school based on total reading minutes. Students also received a certificate and a cool treat.
2026 Reading Activity Submission
Reading activities for the 2026 program were due by Aug. 31. The 2026 submission period is now closed.
Information about the 2027 Summer Reading Adventure will be posted in Spring 2027.
Reading Tips
Looking for ways to make summer reading fun?
- Encourage your student to read for 15-20 minutes each day, or aim for at least five books during the summer.
- Choose a book the whole family can read together and discuss. Create your own family book club!
- Let your student read material that interests them and is appropriate for their reading level. Comics, magazines, graphic novels, news articles and books all count.
- Bring reading material along for road trips, vacations, appointments, lessons and other times when your student may have a few minutes to read.
- Visit your local public library to discover new books.
- Take advantage of other summer reading programs. Your reading time may count toward additional programs offered by libraries and local bookstores.
Resources
Local Resources
- Johnson County Public Library
- Mid-Continent Public Library Summer Library Program and Dial-a-Story
- Lakeshore Learning Summer Reading List — book ideas
- Barnes & Noble Summer Reading Journal (English) and Spanish — earn a free book through the Barnes & Noble summer reading program for students in Grades 1-6
Benefits of Summer Reading
- Scholastic: Kids & Family Reading Report, The Summer Reading Imperative
- Study.com: Why Is Summer Reading So Important for Kids' Success?
- 27 Awesome Free (or Low-Cost) Websites for Practicing Reading
Questions?
Contact reading@vpepto.org.
