Beware of the dreaded summer brain-dead syndrome!
Thank goodness for New York State Senator James Sanders Jr. of NYS District 10. He consistently shows how elected officials should serve the people who entrust them with public office. Especially when it comes to helping save his youngest constituents from the toxic effects of “Summer Brain-Dead Syndrome.”
Even though the summer vacation is almost over, you still have a chance to help your children avoid the dreaded “Summer Brain Dead Syndrome.”
What we did every summer
Every summer after her mom died, Ashley and I would go to either the Park Slope or Court Street Barnes and Noble to buy Summer Bridge Course books for her summer learning. Her principal, Dr. Beverly Ffolkes-Bryant, would provide insight into which subjects she should focus on to build the skills she’d need to prepare for the next grade. And every one of her suggestions was on point. McGraw-Hill’s Spectrum Series was my favorite.
One plus one is . . . two?
So, every fall, while teachers were bemoaning how “…even some of the top students forgot two plus two is four over summer break,” Ashley was ready for Advanced Calculus. Well, maybe regular calculus. Okay, okay, every required exam she would take during the school year.
She and every other child who read during the summer.
Studies consistently prove children who participate in summer learning programs always perform better the following school year. Why, because they don’t have to relearn study discipline, and the summer programs prepare them for academic challenges they’ll face during the coming school year.
No reason for summer brain-dead syndrome in our family.
Or yours.
Back to Senator Sanders
I receive one email every other week about some program or another NYS residents should be aware of. Last summer his office sent information about the New York State Senate’s Summer Reading Program. All you have to do is register your child at www.nyread.com, and when they read just three books, your child will receive a Certificate of Achievement from Senator Sanders. This year’s submission deadline is September 1, 2023.
Here’s how you can participate
You’ll find the Summer Reading Form at https://nysenate.gov/nyread.
You still have time to enter this program.
If money is tight, and your child doesn’t already have a library card, now is the time to get what is likely the best access card you can possess. Your child will be able to check out and read three, ten, or even 25 books over the summer.
You can get more information about summer reading from New York’s libraries at http://www.summerreadingnys.org/ and Scholastic’s Kids and Families Reading Report at www.scholastic.com.
What he’s not fixing to do
Why didn’t he send a certificate to every child in the State of New York or the country for that matter? Because, at least in New York State, everyone votes for, and is represented by their own State Senator. So, if you haven’t heard about this great summer program from your own State Senator, get on the horn and ask why not. Senator Sanders and his staff put their all into serving the people of New York State’s 10th District, and so should your State Senator.
After all, isn’t that what being a true public servant is all about?
So, a huge thank you to Senator Sanders and his super-dedicated team for keeping us aware and informed.
And I’ll tell you what. If you live in New York State and have to call your State Senator to ask about this program, drop me an email at [email protected]. I’ll choose three (3) families who will receive three books for their home libraries.
We still have time to fight the dreaded summer brain-dead syndrome.
About the author
Eustace L. Greaves, Jr., LUTCF, is an NYS-licensed Independent Insurance Agent and Broker. He has 41 years of experience, 28 of those years as the owner of Bridge Insurance Agency and Greaves Financial Services.
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