For Immediate Release: August 2, 2011
FIRST LADY AND THE SUMMER LITERACY ADVENTURE JOURNEY TO
THE SUWANNEE RIVER
~Florida springs offer unique setting to encourage children
to read during the break~
First Lady Ann Scott reads to students at Fanning Springs State Park.
TALLAHASSEE — The crystal clear springs and
majestic manatees were just a few of the Florida treasures that highlighted First
Lady Ann Scott’s visit to Fanning Springs State Park today during her Summer
Literacy Adventure. Mrs. Scott was joined by representatives of the Florida
Department of Education (DOE), the Florida Department of Environmental
Protection (DEP) and the Florida Department of State (DOS). The event focused
on advancing the literacy skills of students in the surrounding region during
the summer break.
“The adventures this summer
have been plentiful, and reading and literacy have helped our students use
their imagination to journey to so many places,” said Mrs. Scott. “Fanning
Springs State Park is a great area to explore and learn of our state’s precious
resources, and I’m thrilled to share in the Summer Literacy Adventure with
students in the region.”
Students can visit the Just
Read, Florida! website at www.justreadflorida.com
to participate in the Summer Literacy Adventure. A select school with the most
participating students taking the pledge in the Adventure will be recognized
during the 2011-12 school year, with all of its students winning a one-day pass
to any Florida State Park.
”We’re so glad to have been a
part of this educational adventure with the First Lady encouraging children to
read outdoors,” said Florida State Parks Director Donald Forgione. “Fanning
Springs provides a great location for reading on hot days where you can take a
dip in the cool spring waters between chapters.”
Any student who takes the
pledge may also utilize a free online tool to search for books based on reading
ability and interests. DOE, through MetaMetrics, offers a unique resource
called “Find a Book, Florida” at http://florida.lexile.com
that uses Lexile® measures, a widely adopted reading metric that can guide a
reader to an appropriate level book. Each year, more than 30 million Lexile
measures are reported from reading assessments and programs – representing more
than half of U.S. students.
DOS also encourages students to read, and local public libraries throughout
the state host a variety of programs during the summer to promote reading. The local
county public library staff was also on hand to share
information on DOS’s Florida Library Youth Program, which enables participants
of all ages to enjoy fun activities, special guest performances, presentations,
crafts and more at various public libraries. Information on the locations of
public libraries in Florida can be found at www.fllibraries.org.
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