News Release - Mayor Warren Kicks Off 2018 Mayor's Summer Stars Summer Learning Challenge

City of Rochester

News Release

(Monday, June 25, 2018) – Mayor Lovely A. Warren invites children of all ages and their families to join in the summer fun with the Mayor’s Summer Stars – Summer Learning Challenge at City libraries and R-Centers, celebrating this year’s theme “Libraries Rock!”

“This summer the Rochester area is full of exciting opportunities for kids to stay active and continue learning,” said Mayor Warren. “We have a variety of programs that range from a reading challenge to hands-on camps and activities where kids can keep their bodies healthy and minds sharp. No matter their interests, kids can keep their summer both fun and engaging by taking advantage of the free programs our libraries and R-Centers have to offer. This is all part of our goal to provide better educational opportunities, more jobs and safer and more vibrant neighborhoods.”

The Mayor’s Summer Stars – Summer Learning Challenge gives parents and children an opportunity to participate in community wide events that help keep them interested in expanding their education and pursuing their passions. The Summer Learning Challenge Libraries Rock! log book is available now at the R-Centers and Rochester Public Libraries to give children more ways to explore and engage in the learning challenge. The Libraries offer an entire summer schedule of events including hands-on STEM challenges, African drumming and reading books to dogs. The R-Centers have a wide variety of activities and programs in science, technology, sports, creative arts and Summer Learning Labs. With Drop Everything and Read, kids are challenged to “stop, drop and read” a total of 10 books of their choice throughout the summer.

Activity logs for the Mayor’s Summer Stars – Summer Learning Challenge are available now at Rochester Public Libraries and R-Centers. Follow along the colorful music notes and spend 20 minutes or more on each activity in the log, crossing off the note as it is completed. If children have questions or need help completing the activities they can talk to a librarian or R-Center employee at any location. At the end of the song in the log bring the game board back to any Rochester Public Library branch to be entered to win prizes. The last day to turn in completed game boards is Friday, Aug. 17, 2018, prizes will be drawn Monday, Aug. 20, 2018 and prizes must be claimed by Friday, Aug. 31, 2018.

Genesee Country Village; Rochester Museum and Science Center; Seneca Park Zoo; and the Strong National Museum of Play donated prizes for Libraries Rock! through their support of the Monroe County Library system’s summer learning programs. The Friends and Foundation of the Rochester Public Library donated books and weekly prizes.

Partners of the R-Centers’ summer learning programs include: the Seneca Park Zoo Society; Genesee Waterways Center; A Horse's Friend; Kuumba; SySTEMatics; Writers and Books; -Cornell Cooperative Extension; and Finger Lakes Eat Smart NY.

More information about the Mayor’s Summer Stars – Summer Learning Challenge can be found by visiting, www.cityofrochester.gov/summerlearningchallenge.

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News Media: For more information, contact Press Officer Jessica Alaimo, 428-7135.