The Peru Gazette

PLATTSBURGH, NY (June 30, 2026) – Assemblyman Michael S. Cashman announced today that the 2026 New York State Assembly Summer Reading Challenge materials have been distributed to all public schools within the 115^th Assembly District. The Summer Reading Challenge will take place between July 1 and August 31, and readers have the chance to win one of three gift cards.

“Reading is a pivotal part of early childhood development, and I am glad that my office will be continuing the Summer Reading Challenge tradition,” Cashman said. “I encourage all students to participate in this great challenge, and I look forward to congratulating all of those who complete the challenge.”

Students who read for at least 15 minutes per day for 40 or more days will receive a New York State Assembly Excellence in Reading certificate. This year, the top reader from each county will receive a gift card to a local bookstore.

Students will mark their school-provided calendar pamphlet with each day they read at least 15 minutes. All entries received by September 7 will be considered for their counties’ gift card prize. If there is a tie, the readers with the highest number of days will be entered into a drawing to select a winner.

All student submissions with at least 40 days of reading marked will receive a New York State Assembly Excellence in Reading certificate regardless of date of office receipt.

Materials will be sent home with students from their schools.