MacArthur engages students in reading challenge

Some students love reading assignments, some need a little motivation. Shore Representative Tom MacArthur (R-3) offers a special incentive for students in his Third Congressional District who enter his Reading Challenge - an official Congressional Certificate.

Between the start of the school year and March 18, 2016, participants are required to read three books and offer a summary of each.

Moreover, it isn't simply "do this and hand it in." He's reading and summarizing the same number of books that he's asking students to complete by the deadline.

The Congressman says he understands the ways that commitments and distractions have eroded quality reading time among students.

"A love of reading can improve our ability to think critically, enhance our vocabulary and make us better writers. I know firsthand that it can be hard to carve out time in your day, so I'll be joining you on this journey and reading along with you," MacArthur said in a prepared statement. "I'll announce my books at the end of the challenge and hopefully get some great suggestions from our young constituents."

The challenge is warmly endorsed by education officials in and out of his district, including Berkeley Township Schools Superintendent Dr. James Roselli and Dr. Lawrence S. Feinsod, Executive Director of the New Jersey School Boards Association.

To enter the Third District Congressional Reading Challenge, visit the portal on Congressman MacArthur's web site. He encourages parents and guardians to fill out the entry form with students. Everyone who successfully completes it receives a Congressional Certificate shortly after the competition ends.

Ocean County communities in the district:

Barnegat, Barnegat Light, Beach Haven, Beachwood, Berkeley Township, Eagleswood, Harvey Cedars, Island Heights, Lacey Township, Lavallette, Little Egg Harbor, Long Beach, Ocean Gate, Waretown, Pine Beach, Seaside Heights, Seaside Park, Ship Bottom, South Toms River, Stafford, Surf City, Toms River and Tuckerton.

Burlington County communities in the district:

Bass River Township, Beverly, Bordentown City, Bordentown Township, Burlington, Cinnaminson, Delanco, Delran, Eastampton, Edgewater Park, Evesham, Fieldsboro, Hainesport, Lumberton, Medford Lakes, Medford Township, Moorestown, Mount Holly, Mount Laurel, New Hanover, North Hanover, Pemberton Borough, Pemberton Township, Riverside, Shamong, Southampton, Tabernacle, Westampton Township, Willingboro, Woodland Township, and Wrightstown.