A District-Wide Student Achievement Goal

Strive for 5 is one of the ways we’re supporting our district’s 75 by 35 student achievement goals by combatting what is referred to as the Summer Slide. Summer Slide is a very real phenomenon referring to the loss of skills and knowledge as students fall out of “practice” in the summer. It costs students and teachers a great deal of valuable learning time every year, time we could be using to advance our students’ knowledge and skills.  Some estimates say as much as 20% of the prior year’s learning is lost over the summer months.  

Reading for just a few minutes a day – about five books over the summer – can help keep minds busy and skills sharp, so that we can pick up right where learning left off next fall. This year, we’re challenging all Chehalis students in grades K-12 to join the Strive for 5 Challenge and commit to reading at least five books over the summer. Those who complete the challenge will have the satisfaction of knowing they’ll be starting the 2026-2027 school year strong and they’ll also be eligible to win some fabulous prizes.