Chicago Cubs kick off Read Around the Bases summer reading program

The Chicago Cubs completed the Read Around the Bases kickoff this week with stops at Greeley Elementary School, Casals School of Excellence and Jacob Beidler Elementary School. Cubs players Justin Grimm, Kyle Hendricks and Mike Baxter officially launched the summer reading program by hosting reading and Q-and-A sessions along with distributing books to second grade students. The inaugural summer reading program aims to improve reading competency of elementary students in Chicago Public Schools.

Each student who participates in the Read Around the Bases program receives a backpack filled with five books recommended by grade level, a bookmark, book report sheet and other goodies. 

"We are excited about the launch of this reading program as a way to keep students engaged in reading during the summer. The program targets students in the second grade, a crucial age of development in reading and learning," said Connie Falcone, vice president of development, Cubs Charities. "By providing grade level-approved books for these students, we hope to help improve their reading competency and achieve future success in their education."

Throughout the summer, students participating in the program will fill out reading logs to record the amount of books they read and book reports completed. These reports will help teachers assess the progress of their students once school is back in session. The top three students in each class will receive prizes from Cubs players this fall.