Did you know that reading actually impacts a student’s SAT score? Research shows that students who read regularly as a lifestyle habit consistently perform better on the verbal portion of the test than non-readers. So join us this summer as we hit the books! Darlington’s Summer Reading Challenge requires participants to choose a minimum of four books to read over the summer from a long list of fascinating titles and genres. When you finish a book, you will meet with the director for about one hour to discuss the book in a way that will prove beneficial to you. Topics covered will include comprehension, vocabulary, topic and details, theme, plot and so forth. Additionally, students will be supplied with vocabulary lists and journaling opportunities to support SAT preparation. Students not living in Rome can meet via Skype or phone.
5th/6th Grade Summer Reading Book List
7th/8th Grade Summer Reading Book List
Upper School Summer Reading Book List
The reading challange does not replace the required summer reading assignment. You will still need to read Darlington’s required summer book; however, the Summer Reading Challenge can and should be listed on a student's college resume. In addition, the director will provide an optional college letter of recommendation for any student completing the program.
Although not part of Darlington's regular summer camp program, new for 2011, there is an optional reading challenge being offered for rising K-4th grade students. For cost and registration information, click here
Jean Bonnyman has five years of experience as a learning specialist in Darlington’s Glenn Learning Center. She works regularly with students in grades 9-12 and is also a college counselor. Before coming to Darlington, she was in private practice as an academic and personal coach. She holds degrees in education, sport psychology and counseling from the University of Virginia. One of Bonnyman’s main goals in her work at Darlington is to encourage students to read more, especially in the summer.
Renee Healy has been the bookstore manager at Darlington’s Upper School since 2002. An avid reader, she holds a B.S. from Ithaca College and an M.B.A. from Long Island University. The parent of two current students, she has been actively involved at Darlington through Tiger Pride, the Fine Arts Booster Club, the Rome Parents Program and the Parents’ Association.
Angela Pieroni has been a member of the Middle School faculty since 2001. She currently teaches seventh and eighth grade science and fifth and sixth grade robotics. She also serves as the team leader for seventh and eighth grade. Angela holds a B.S. from the University of Dayton and an M.Ed. from Walden University.
