Summer Reading Program 2018

 “So, this is my life. And I want you to know that I am both happy and sad and I'm still trying to figure out how that could be.” - Stephen Chbosky

As a district, we are committed to actively listen to our students and help them to cope with and navigate adversity in life in a positive and constructive manner.  This goal is best met when school and families work collaboratively to address both the triumphs and challenges of the young people for whom we mutually care. At this time, our student body is actively seeking information on adolescent mental health and wellness.  To ensure students are provided with accurate and thoughtful information regarding these two topics, the Verona High School Summer Reading program will be dedicated to engaging students in a shared reading community that focuses on these areas of student interest. We hope to nurture insightful and respectful dialogue through this shared reading experience.

The summer reading website can be located here.

We have selected a number of books that approach the topics of mental health and wellness from various perspectives. Students entering grades 9-12 in September of 2018 will be required to read ONE book from a list of approved books as part of their Summer Reading experience.

Book choices may be accessed by clicking on the Book Choices tab on the above shared website.

Students are encouraged to take notes as they read in order to complete the pre and post reading reflections, which can be accessed by clicking on the Reading Assignments tab. Please note that students enrolled in AP level classes are required to complete separate assignments. Depending on your schedule, you may have to complete both the AP assignment and this summer reading.  AP related work can be accessed using the links below.

If you have any questions regarding the requirement for this or other reading assignments, you may access information by clicking on the Reading Requirements tab. This page will show you exactly what assignments you are responsible for depending on your schedule. AP assignments are also be located below.

All books chosen for the Summer Reading Assignments have been approved by the Verona School Board and are directly aligned to our district curriculum. A limited number of copies of the approved summer reading books will be available in the Young Adult section at the Verona Public Library.

We highly encourage parents to speak with your child(ren) about the book he/she has chosen and to foster ongoing discussion about the feelings invoked by the content. As parents/adults, our conversations and interactions regarding mental health and wellness can have an incredibly profound positive influence on our children.

If you are concerned that the reading selections will have an adverse impact on your child due to his/her mental health status, please follow your instinct regarding your child’s well being.  The assignment will be waived in this instance. Please contact sbangia@veronaschools.org ; indicate your child’s name/grade and your request to excuse him/her from this assignment.  Your request will be honored.

 Thank you for your anticipated cooperation and support with our summer reading program.  Should acute concerns arise about your child’s mental health/well being, the following resources are available 24/7.   

NJ Mobile Crisis: Perform Care                             1 -877-652-7624

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline                     1-800-273-TALK//1-800-SUICIDE

NJ Hopeline                                                             1-855-NJ-HOPELINE (654-6735)

2nd Floor Youth Helpline NJ                                  1-888-222-2228

Crisis Text Line  (crisistextline.org) Text HOME to 741741

AP World History Assignment (see Mrs. Sepcie) 

AP US History Assignment (see Mr. Maher) 

AP Euro History Assignment (see Mr. Maher)

AP Human Geography Assignment (see Mrs. Wallerstein) 

AP Government Assignment (see Mr. Tamburro) 

AP Psychology Assignment (see Ms. Schram)