:: Incoming Freshmen
:: All-School Book (Grades 9-12)
:: Student-Selected Books (Grades 10-12)
:: Summer Reading Test Info
:: Course-Specific Readings (Grades 10-12)

Incoming Freshmen   

As you may already be aware, St. Edward students read books over the summer months. The aim of the summer reading program is two-fold. First and foremost, we intend to stress the value of reading as a lifelong habit that provides entertainment, expands our worldviews, and leads to the cultivation of knowledge. Second, in keeping with the values of the Congregation of Holy Cross, summer reading provides us the opportunity to join together as a community and connect literature to our experiences and the world around us, examining the content through the eyes of faith.

For the 2013-2014 school year, the Class of 2017 will read The Servant, by James C. Hunter, as well as the all-school book which is TBA for summer of 2013.

Students will be expected to read the two titles over the summer, and they will be assessed on their comprehension of the books by tests administered within the first several days of the school year. Summer reading appears as a separate grade on students’ transcripts that is factored into the first semester grade point average. The grade is worth .125 credits.

Over the summer, reading guides that include aides to understanding and questions for reflection will be available through our school’s website.

Finally, I would like to encourage parents and families to enjoy the summer reading along with their sons. As we prepare to explore the themes of Holy Cross education, we look forward to welcoming the participation of parents, the first teachers of our young men.

Study Guide for The Servant

"All-School" Book      

All students will read a selection TBA.

Student-Selected Books      

Grades 10-12

Sponsored by faculty members
**Some Study Guides are posted at the bottom of this page.** Not all faculty offer study guides.

Student-selected book: Students entering grades 10-12 will choose a second book from a list of books located online at http://www.sehsapps.net/sr. (site not available until a 4th quarter date TBA)

Please note that you will need your student ID number to make your selection online. You may select a book or change your selection anytime through the last week of May. Books with over 25 selections will be "closed out" and removed from the selection list.

Summer Reading Tests      

Assessment of both books will take place during the first week of school next fall. The school-wide book will be assessed during English classes. The student-selected books will be assessed in "reading groups” made up of all students who read the same book and the teacher who sponsored it. This will be a chance for discussion of the book, and it will be the time when you are asked to demonstrate that you have read and understood the book. These assessments may include objective tests, written essays, or graded discussions. (Note: assessment info is subject to change.)

The grade on both tests will be averaged and a letter grade will appear as "Summer Reading” on your 1st semester report card and be recorded on your transcript.

Course/Teacher Specific Readings       

AP US History
The Best and the Brightest
by David Halberstam

AP Government
America at 1750, A Social Portrait
by Richard Hofstadter

For More Information

If you have any further questions about the Summer Reading selection process, see Mr. O'Linn. If you have technical questions about the signup process, please email Mr. Seiler.

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