Staff reports 7:18 a.m.
Saturday, April 24, 2021 7:19 am

ROCHESTER - Rochester Schools announced on Friday that the Rochester Rotary Club will be donating books for all first- and second-grade students in Rochester Public Schools as educators prepare to introduce this year's summer reading program.

The district plans to host summer reading kickoff events at each school in June, where members of the Rotary Club will make virtual appearances. The dates and events are not finalized yet, but the Reading Team will meet in early May to begin planning.

Around 600 books will be distributed to first- and second-graders in Rochester schools, as well as the St. Elizabeth Seton School and the Monarch School.

"We are very thankful for the help of the Rochester Rotary Club. With their generous donation, we can help our first and second graders continue learning over the summer through reading," Superintendent Kyle Repucci said. "Our incredible staff is also working hard to prepare for summer reading kickoff events that will share their love of reading with students and families within the district."

This summer's theme is Tails & Tales. Students will read stories featuring animals and take part in events centered around the theme. The donated books are for students to read for pleasure, though most schools also have incentive plans for students who bring back a completed summer reading log.

Students will also receive a variety of resources from the Rochester Public Library and Rochester Public Schools. The school district is currently putting together summer brochures to help students track their reading over the summer and the Public Library is creating a video about its summer reading program.

More information about the summer reading kickoff events will be announced when it becomes available.