The Yazoo City Municipal School District is launching its 2026 Summer Reading Initiative, a districtwide effort focused on strengthening literacy, preventing summer learning loss, and encouraging students to develop strong reading habits beyond the classroom.
“Strong literacy skills are essential to student success at every grade level,” said Ms. Tommisha Johnson, Director of Curriculum & Instruction/MTSS. “Our Summer Reading Initiative is designed to keep students engaged in learning throughout the summer while helping them build the reading, comprehension, and critical thinking skills necessary for long-term academic achievement.”
Students in Pre-Kindergarten through Grade 12 are encouraged to read at least 20 minutes each day during the summer months. The initiative includes grade-level reading expectations designed to support continued academic growth and readiness for the upcoming school year.
PreK through Grade 2 students are required to read three books of their choice. Students in Grades 3 through 10 will read one required grade-level book along with two additional books of choice, while students in Grades 11 and 12 will complete two required texts and one additional self-selected book. Students will also complete activities from the district’s Summer Reading Choice Board, with project-based options available for high school students.
Books may be accessed through the B.S. Ricks Memorial Library, virtual reading platforms, and personal or home libraries. Students are encouraged to explore a variety of genres, including fiction, nonfiction, biographies, graphic novels, and informational texts.
Informational flyers outlining grade-level reading requirements, reading logs, and summer reading expectations will be distributed with students’ report cards to help families prepare for summer participation.
The district will also recognize students who exceed summer reading expectations through the YCMSD Summer Reading Recognition Program. Recognition opportunities include certificates, school and district acknowledgments, special recognitions during assemblies, and celebrations or field trips for top readers.
District officials encourage parents and guardians to support reading at home by creating daily opportunities for students to read and discuss books throughout the summer.
For additional information, including reading lists, required books, reading logs, choice boards, and recognition details, parents and students may visit the YCMSD Summer Reading Portal on the Curriculum & Instruction Department page of the district website or access it directly at:
https://www.yazoocity.k12.ms.us/page/summer-reading-program
Office of Curriculum & Instruction
Yazoo City Municipal School District