Hundreds of students across the Mohawk Valley encouraged to build strong literacy habits through inspiring summer initiative
Rome, NY – Surrounded by eager kindergarteners and dedicated educators, Assemblywoman Marianne Buttenschon (D–119) officially launched the 2025 New York State Assembly Summer Reading Challenge today at Louis V Denti Elementary School in the Rome City School District. The Assemblywoman visited all four kindergarten classrooms, personally delivering this year’s reading challenge materials and reading aloud to students to inspire their excitement for books and summer learning.
The kickoff event marks the beginning of a cherished statewide tradition that encourages children to read for at least 15 minutes a day for 40 days throughout July and August. Students who complete the challenge will receive a New York State Assembly Excellence in Reading Certificate to celebrate their commitment to literacy and learning.
“There is something truly magical about sitting down with a good book, especially during the summer months when imagination has no limits,” said Assemblywoman Buttenschon. “This challenge is about more than just reading, it’s about building confidence, creativity, and a lifelong love for learning. I am so proud to support our schools and students as they take on this challenge.”
Assemblywoman Buttenschon’s office has provided thousands of Summer Reading Challenge brochures, bookmarks, and posters to schools across the region. Each brochure includes a calendar for students to track their daily reading, a pledge to commit to the challenge, and instructions for submitting their progress to the Assemblywoman’s office by the end of summer. Once received, Assemblywoman Buttenschon will mail personalized certificates to all students who completed the challenge.
“The Summer Reading Challenge is about more than books; it’s about building a lifelong love of learning for all of our L.V. Denti Elementary School students,” said Principal Kimberly Mursch. “We’re especially grateful for Assemblywoman Buttenschon’s visit, which showed our students that their efforts are seen, valued, and supported by our broader community.”
Participating Schools
Students in grades K–6 across the following schools and districts are encouraged to participate in the 2025 Summer Reading Challenge:
- Rome City School District
- Utica City School District
- Whitesboro Central School District
- New York Mills Union Free School District
- Oriskany Central School District
- Utica Academy of Science
- Notre Dame Schools
- Westmoreland Central School District
- New York State School for the Deaf
- Tilton School (House of Good Shepherd)
- Holland Patent Central School District
How to Participate
- Read 15 minutes a day for 40 days during July and August.
- Track progress using the official calendar provided in the Summer Reading Challenge brochure. 3. Return the completed calendar to Assemblywoman Buttenschon’s office by August 31, 2025 to receive a certificate.
Mailing Address:
Assemblywoman Marianne Buttenschon
State Office Building, Room 401
207 Genesee Street
Utica, NY 13501
Why It Matters
Studies show that reading just 15 minutes a day dramatically improves student literacy and helps prevent the “summer slide” in learning. By encouraging children to stay mentally active during school break, the Summer Reading Challenge supports educational growth, language development, and family engagement in learning.
Assemblywoman Buttenschon, a former educator and dean, has long championed access to quality education and believes that all students, regardless of background, deserve support year-round.
“It is our collective responsibility to create opportunities for every child to succeed,” she added. “Reading is one of the simplest and most powerful ways to open minds and unlock potential. This challenge is a joyful invitation to dream, explore, and grow, and I hope every student joins us this summer.”
