FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 22, 2014
CONTACT: Florida Department of Education Press Office, 850.245.0413, DOEPressOffice@FLDOE.org
FIRST
LADY ANN SCOTT MAKES A SPLASH IN PANAMA CITY BEACH FOR THIRD STOP ON SUMMER
LITERACY ADVENTURE
First Lady Ann Scott reads to students at Camp Helen State Park.
PANAMA CITY – With Lake Powell and the Gulf
of Mexico nearby and birds soaring overhead, Florida First Lady Ann Scott read The
Rainbow Fish to 40 students today at Camp Helen State Park in Bay County
for the third stop in her Summer Literacy Adventure.
“Florida’s state parks provide
an incredible environment for children and families to discover nature and have
fun,” Mrs. Scott said. “I want to challenge all of Florida’s students to join
me in reading as many books as possible during the summer break and take the
Summer Literacy Adventure Pledge.”
She was joined by
representatives from the Florida Department of Education, the Florida
Department of Environmental Protection, the Early Learning Coalition of
Northwest Florida, the Early Learning Coalition of Okaloosa and Walton
Counties, and the Walton County Public Library System.
Truly a hidden gem, Camp Helen
State Park is an attractive daytime getaway in Florida’s panhandle. With its
long and unique history, Camp Helen’s appeal includes its spacious lodge
overlooking Lake Powell, a rare coastal dune lake, as well as areas for
swimming, beachcombing, hiking and fishing.
“I am pleased to welcome
children and First Lady Ann Scott to Camp Helen State Park to share the joy of
reading,” said Danny Jones, bureau chief for the Florida Park Service. “Most
children aren’t thinking about going back to school yet, but we hope they are
reading over the summer.”
The 2014 Summer Literacy
Adventure helps keep Florida students excited about reading and literacy.
Research shows that children who do not continue reading through the summer can
lose a month or more of progress made during the school year. By encouraging
their children to read, parents play an important role in ensuring every child
reads at or above grade level.
“Student learning should
continue during the summer months, and this is a great way for families to
participate in the education process beyond the classroom,” Commissioner of
Education Pam Stewart said. “Children’s lives are enriched when they are
surrounded by a wide variety of reading materials.”
The Florida Lottery generously
donated books to all students in attendance at today’s event.
“On behalf of the Florida
Lottery, we are pleased to support the 2014 Summer Literacy Adventure,” said
Secretary Cynthia O’Connell. “Reading can open up new worlds and spark a
lifetime love for learning.”
Students can fill out their
Summer Literacy Adventure Pledge form at www.JustReadFamilies.org. At
the start of 2014 – 2015 academic year, First Lady Scott will visit the school
whose students successfully completed the most pledges.
For more information,
visit 2014 Summer Literacy Adventure.
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