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PAINTED POST, N.Y. -- School may soon be out for summer, but local officials want to make sure students keep their heads in the books.

Assemblyman Phil Palmesano stopped by Erwin Valley Elementary School Friday to kick off the 2012 Summer Reading Challenge. The school had the best challenge participation rate in the 136th district last summer. Palmesano treated them to an ice cream social to celebrate their big win and push them to do it again this year.

The statewide contest encourages elementary students to read at least 10 minutes a day.

"The kids are all looking forward to summer away from the classroom. But reading's a good way to keep their mind working and prepare them for next year's school," said Palmesano.

"I think it's important because if you don’t, you might fall behind on your grades or something. And besides, I think it's really fun, so I think you'd be missing out if you didn't read during the summer," said fourth grader Lizzie Hogrefe.

Wednesday, June 20th is the last day of school for students in the Corning-Painted Post School District.