FIRST LADY ANN SCOTT CELEBRATES WITH STUDENTS AT GRASSY WATERS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL FOR THEIR COMMITMENT TO READING

Florida DEP Banner

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Sept. 24, 2014

CONTACT: DEP Press Office, 850-245-2112, DEPNews@dep.state.fl.us

FIRST LADY ANN SCOTT CELEBRATES WITH STUDENTS AT GRASSY WATERS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL FOR THEIR COMMITMENT TO READING

~ School named winner of First Lady’s Summer Literacy Adventure ~

TALLAHASSEE – Florida First Lady Ann Scott today visited Grassy Waters Elementary School in West Palm Beach. With more than 4,000 books read, Grassy Waters Elementary won the First Lady’s Summer Literacy Adventure. To recognize their commitment to literacy, students and school employees will receive family passes to a Florida state park and the school will get a certificate and 100 books for their school library. 

First Lady Ann Scott said, “The students at Grassy Waters Elementary School undoubtedly enjoyed a summer filled with excitement and adventure experienced through the pages of their books. I hope the Summer Literacy Adventure helped Florida students develop a love for reading that will last a lifetime.” 

Four additional winning schools will receive a certificate in recognition of their outstanding participation in the Summer Literacy Adventure:

  • Citrus Grove Elementary, Martin County School District
  • Ketterlinus Elementary, St. Johns County School District
  • A.D. Henderson Elementary and Middle/ FAU High School, Florida Atlantic University Schools
  • Barbara Hawkins Elementary, Miami-Dade County Public Schools

“I’m so proud of the students who pledged to make reading a priority during the summer break,” said Commissioner Pam Stewart. “Each of these students has taken an important step to ensure they are best prepared for success in college, career and life.”

The First Lady’s Summer Literacy Adventure challenged students to read as many books as possible during the summer break. First Lady Scott visited state parks and encouraged children to keep reading while they enjoyed the natural beauty of Florida’s state parks.  

“It was a pleasure hosting students at our award-winning state parks as they had the opportunity to increase their love of reading,” said Director of the Florida Park Service Donald Forgione. “First Lady Scott helped bring excitement for students not only to reading, but also to the importance of spending time outdoors enjoying our beautiful, natural treasures throughout the Sunshine State.”      

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. 

The Florida Lottery donated books to students throughout the summer as part of the 2014 Summer Literacy Adventure. 

“Reading is a critical skill that opens up worlds of possibilities for our children,” said Secretary of the Florida Lottery Cynthia O’Connell. “The Florida Lottery has been pleased to participate in the Summer Literacy Adventure, providing students with the resources they need to be successful readers and learners.” 

For more information, visit 2014 Summer Literacy Adventure.