Meet Me in the Middle: Franklin Middle School Sees Summer Reading Success

When more than 1,000 students walked into Franklin Middle School this September, they already shared something in common: the books they read over the summer.

The summer reading program, a long-standing requirement in Franklin Public Schools, calls on students to read at least two books over the break to support both academic growth and social-emotional development.

Franklin Middle School students discuss books
they read over the summer after returning
 to school in September. (Photo Courtesy Franklin Public Schools)

This year, as Franklin Middle School welcomed students into a newly reorganized building, the leadership team sought to take the program a step further.

"Our goal was simple: to ensure that every Franklin Middle School student entered the year not only as a reader, but also with a shared story that could spark conversations, build community, and ease the transition into a brand-new school," said Erin O'Leary, Reading Specialist at Franklin Middle School.

Six titles were selected for the program, each centered on a middle school-aged character navigating challenges familiar to students. They were: "Twerp" by Mark M. Goldblatt; "The Tenth Mistake of Hank Hooperman" by Gennifer Choldenko; "Counting by 7s" by Holly Goldberg Sloan; "Other Words for Home" by Jasmine Warga; "Fast Break" by Mike Lupica; and "Bye Forever, I Guess" by Jodi Meadows.

The effort was met with strong participation: 75 percent of students completed the required reading, with some choosing to read multiple books. When the school year began, teachers set aside time for students to gather by book title and share reflections with classmates.

Franklin Middle School students also completed
activities inspired by the books they
read over the summer. (Photo Courtesy
Franklin Public Schools)

Students reported that the program made reading more enjoyable and also provided a way for them to bond with their peers.​

"Having a list made it easier to choose," one student shared.

Another said, "I picked it because my friend was reading it and we wanted to read the same thing."

Through these shared stories, Franklin Middle School's summer reading program helped prevent summer learning loss while also building community among students.

"This experience shows the power of books to unite students," ​said Superintendent Lucas Gugiere. "It gave our students common ground to start conversations, build friendships, and feel at home in their new school."

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