[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 87 (Thursday, June 16, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1127]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           STATEMENT RECOGNIZING NATIONAL SUMMER LEARNING DAY

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                          HON. DONALD M. PAYNE

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, June 16, 2011

  Mr. PAYNE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize June 21 as National 
Summer Learning Day and draw attention to the importance of high-
quality summer learning opportunities in the lives of young people. 
This day is an opportunity for schools, nonprofit organizations, public 
agencies, resident camps, sports clubs, businesses, museums and 
libraries to showcase the contributions they make to the lives of young 
people during the summer.
  The effort to keep kids learning during summer is based on research 
that shows that without effective summer learning opportunities: most 
students fall more than two months behind in math over the summer; low-
income children fall behind two to three months in reading each summer, 
while their middle and upper-income peers make slight gains; and by the 
end of fifth grade, lower-income children can be nearly three years 
behind their higher-income peers in reading.
  Last year, nearly 500 events were held nationwide that highlighted 
how summer learning programs advance academic growth, support working 
families, keep children safe and send students back to school ready to 
learn.
  I am proud to recognize National Summer Learning Day and encourage 
communities across the country to celebrate and acknowledge the 
importance of providing all young people with high-quality learning 
opportunities during the summer months.

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