Larry Stanford
Editor
Georgia’s First Lady, Sandra Deal, visited Thomaston last Thursday afternoon to read to students at Upson-Lee Pre-K. The visit was part of ‘Read Across Georgia’ Month, which is this month.
“We must increase the percentage of children reading well and independently at grade-level because this lays the groundwork for all of their future academic and career endeavors,” said Mrs. Deal. “This past year, I had the opportunity to visit 100 counties and 170 schools emphasizing to parents, teachers and mentors the importance of being proficient in reading. I look forward to seeing what we can accomplish during my Read Across Georgia initiative this year.”
So far during March of this year, Mrs. Deal has read to students at 65 schools. She brings with her a copy of a poem that Governor Nathan Deal has written about the joys of reading, and also a book entitled ‘Who I’d Like To Be.’ She also brought copies of the book that were left with the school.
As part of the ‘Read Across Georgia’ celebration, the Department of Early Care and Learning (DECAL) is sponsoring ‘Georgia Reads Aloud Day’ today, March 19. Parents, child care providers and the entire community are encouraged to make a special effort to read to children of all ages. Classrooms are also invited to enter a contest for the “Most Books Read” between the hours of 7 a.m. and 6 p.m. on March 19. The winning classroom will receive a special visit and reading from Mrs. Deal and DECAL Commissioner Bobby Cagle.
“Reading can have a huge impact in the lives of our state’s youngest learners and ‘Read Across Georgia’ and ‘Georgia Reads Aloud Day’ are great ways for everyone to get involved,” said DECAL Commissioner Bobby Cagle. “Both programs support Governor Deal’s goal to have all of Georgia’s children reading on grade level by third grade.”
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