FLORIDA FIRST LADY HONORS INTERNATIONAL LITERACY DAY

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For Immediate Release: Sept. 8, 2011

Contact: DEP Press Office, 850.245.2112, DEPNews@dep.state.fl.us 

              DOE Press Office, (850) 245-0413, DOEPressOffice@fldoe.org

FLORIDA FIRST LADY HONORS

INTERNATIONAL LITERACY DAY

~Event commemorates reading and literacy at Alfred B. Maclay Gardens State Park~


First Lady Ann Scott poses with Buck Lake Elementary School students.

First Lady Ann Scott poses with Buck Lake Elementary School students dressed in their pajamas after a special reading of Llama Llama Red Pajama.


TALLAHASSEE - The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) and Department of Education joined Florida’s First Lady Ann Scott in recognition of International Literacy Day and Florida Literacy Month this morning at Alfred B. Maclay Gardens State Park. At a picnic pavilion overlooking beautiful Lake Hall, Mrs. Scott read Llama Llama Red Pajama by Anna Dewdney, this year’s Read for the Record book, and spoke with students from local home schools and Buck Lake Elementary about the importance of reading.
“Reading is a fundamental component to help children succeed in the classroom,” said Mrs. Scott.  “Opportunities to read and share stories with students, especially at a Florida State Park, are great ways to encourage literacy.”
Following Mrs. Scott’s reading, participating students were given an interactive, educational tour of Maclay Gardens State Park by two park rangers, participated in a hands-on craft project sponsored by Michael’s craft stores and enjoyed refreshments provided by Earth Fare. Each student received a copy of the Read for the Record book read by Mrs. Scott, Llama Llama Red Pajama, courtesy of the Pearson Foundation.
“Reading and being in nature are two of life’s greatest pleasures and state parks are the perfect place to combine both,” said Maclay Gardens State Park Manager Beth Weidner. “We are pleased to welcome Mrs. Scott today for a morning of reading in the park and hope to see people enjoy the park for free on Sunday.”
Studies have consistently shown that students who read throughout the year are able to retain their knowledge and continue to learn. Today’s event recognized Sept. 8 as International Literacy Day and Florida Literacy Month and also reflected on the successful Summer Literacy Adventure the First Lady pioneered this summer for students to pledge to read throughout the state during summer break. The winning school of the contest will be announced later this year and each student will receive one day-use pass to Florida State Parks.
“Florida Literacy Month serves as an excellent reminder to share our passion for reading with family and friends,” said Florida Education Commissioner Gerard Robinson. “Venues as beautiful as our state parks can serve as imaginative backdrops for our students to further their literacy skills, and I applaud the Florida Department of Environmental Protection for their continued partnership in the education of our students.”
To celebrate Florida Literacy Month and in conjunction with National Library Card Signup Month and International Literacy Day, DEP’s Florida Park Service will offer free entrance to all Florida State Parks* on Sunday, Sept. 11, with the presentation of a library book or library card or with the donation of a new or gently used family-friendly book. State parks across Florida will host literacy related events to recognize Florida Literacy Month throughout September. For a full listing of events, visit the events calendar on the Florida State Parks Online Park Guide.
*This offer does not include Skyway Fishing Pier State Park in St. Petersburg.