Northside Independent School District - San Antonio, TX

NISD and all schools will be closed Nov. 23-27 for Thanksgiving. Classes will resume Nov. 30.

Middle School Summer Reading

Summer Classes

Students in grades 6-8 may read any book they wish in order to participate in the extra-credit opportunity when school begins; however, remember that this is a school assignment. Consequently, books should be grade-level and content appropriate. A list of recommended titles is available online.

Pre-AP® Classes

Students enrolled in these classes have required summer reading assignments. English coordinators have compiled a list from which students are to select books. Students should contact their schools or consult campus web sites for this information.

High School Summer Reading

Regular Classes

Students in grades 9 to 12 may read any book they wish in order to participate in the extra-credit assignment; however, remember that this is a school assignment. Consequently, books should be grade-level and content appropriate. If students are unsure of what to select, there are several resources available. Librarians at the various branches of the San Antonio Public Library are always eager to recommend titles as are the customer service personnel at many of the area book stores. In addition, Texas school librarians have compiled the TAYSHAS reading lists, which are intended "to motivate young adults to become lifelong readers and to participate in the community of readers in Texas." The current year's list contains annotations which students and parents will find helpful. All the lists are coded as to age appropriateness and reading level:

  • FR = fast read
  • AD/YA = mature books for young adult readers
  • YA = books for young adult readers

Finally, students may wish to participate in the San Antonio Public Library's summer reading program.

Pre-AP®, AP®, and Dual Credit Classes

Students enrolled in these classes have required summer reading assignments. They should contact their schools or consult campus web sites for information.

Summer Reading

Why should students read during the summer?

English and reading teachers in Northside work extremely hard during the school year to encourage students to develop a lifelong interest in reading and writing. Research shows that students who do not engage in cognitive activities during the summer lose one to three months of learning. However, summer reading not only helps students retain the skills they need to enjoy academic success but also offers them enriching experiences through books. Students who read during the summer are more likely to...

What if my child is enrolled in Pre-AP® or AP® English?

Middle school Pre-AP® English students will have a required reading assignment that was disseminated by their teacher before the school year ended. Details are available at the middle school or on the campus web site. Pre-AP® students may also participate in the extra-credit opportunity in their reading class.

High school Pre-AP® and AP® English students will have a required reading list and a required assignment. Details are available at the school or on the campus web site.

Questions and Answers About Summer Reading for Students Enrolled in Regular Education Classes

Is there a specific list of titles from which students are required to choose?

Students enrolled in regular education classes are free to choose their books. However, a list of recommended titles is available. See the attached document for links.

Will students have any other requirements beyond reading a book of their choice?

Regular education students may earn extra credit in their middle school reading and high school English classes by completing a teacher-generated assignment as a way of sharing their books with the class.

Can students read more than one book?

Students are encouraged to read many books. However, only one extra-credit grade will be awarded for summer reading.

What kind of grade will my child receive for his/her summer reading project?

Regular education students will earn an extra-credit grade in their middle school reading or high school English class.

How will my child's grade be affected if he/she does not read a book and complete a project?

Summer reading provides students an opportunity to enhance their reading skills and enjoy a selection of their choice. The grades of regular education students will not be penalized if they do not complete the summer reading assignment.

Will my child have an opportunity to receive a grade for his summer reading project if he completes it at the end of the grading period?

Summer reading will be assessed during the second week of school. Additional extra- credit opportunities are provided at the discretion of the teacher.

What if my child is reluctant to read over the summer?

The lists of middle and high school titles have been assembled with students' interests in mind. You may also talk with a librarian in order to get personalized recommendations suited to your child's interests. Also, you can encourage your child to read by modeling that you are a reader, too. You might even decide to read the same book as your child so that you can discuss it with him/her. By modeling that you value reading, you will encourage your child to take a more active interest in reading.

What are some helpful strategies that my child can use so that he/she gets the most from summer reading?

Effective readers are active readers. Below are some strategies students may use while reading.

Before reading:
  • Set aside time and find a quiet place to enjoy your book.
  • Set short-term reading goals, for example, five pages a day or a chapter a day.
  • Preview what you are going to read by looking at the book cover, chapter titles, headings, illustrations, captions, etc.
  • Think about what you already know about the subject of the book.
  • Be willing to be a little bit confused as you begin reading; even the very best readers struggle to make sense of a book as they begin reading.
During reading:
  • Make predictions as you read and then see if they come true.
  • When you reach the end of the chapter, stop and think about what has happened in the book. Make connections to your life, the world, other books, movies, etc.
  • Visualize what you are reading; think of the book as a movie in your head.
  • Talk with others about your book.
  • Keep a reader's notebook, logging your thoughts, reactions, questions, predictions, etc.
After reading:
  • Write a final response in your reader's notebook, reflecting on what you liked and/or disliked about the book.
  • Consider whether or not you would recommend the book to someone else.
  • Make personal connections to the characters and themes of the book.

Summary of Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills in Reading (TEKS) for Students Enrolled in Reading and English

Following is a compilation of the expectations set forth in the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS). Designed to ensure that students acquire the skills necessary for becoming literate citizens, the TEKS are the standards which guide instruction. To view the TEKS in their entirety, parents can visit their web site.

Northside Independent School District
5900 Evers Road
San Antonio, TX 78238
(210) 397-8500 · Contact Us

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