First Lady Ann Scott Wraps Up Summer Literacy Adventure at Oscar Scherer State Park
July 26, 2016
DOE Press Office
850-245-0413
DOEPressOffice@fldoe.org
First Lady Ann Scott to Wrap Up Summer Literacy Adventure at Oscar Scherer State Park
Osprey, Fla., July 26, 2016 – Today, First Lady Ann Scott made her final stop on the 2016 Summer Literacy Adventure at Oscar Scherer State Park. First Lady Scott read to 4th and 5th grade students from Sky Academy of the Venice YMCA summer camp and encouraged them to take the Summer Literacy Pledge to read every day. During the 2016-2017 academic year, First Lady Scott will visit the school whose students successfully completed the most reading pledges.
“I have immensely enjoyed visiting Florida’s magnificent state parks and spending time with Florida’s students on the 2016 Summer Literacy Adventure tour,” said First Lady Scott. “Strong reading skills are essential to student success, and I am thrilled so many students pledged to read this summer. I know they are better prepared for the upcoming school year, and I am looking forward to celebrating with the winning school this fall.”
The First Lady was joined by representatives from the Florida Department of Education, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) and the Florida Lottery. DEP provided state park passes for the student participants, a Florida Lottery sponsorship provided students with books and a reusable water bottle, and the Friends of Oscar Scherer State Park provided healthy snacks.
“I am so appreciative of First Lady Ann Scott for once again dedicating her time during the summer months to help Florida’s students prevent the ‘summer slide’ and to encourage them to further develop their reading skills,” said Commissioner Stewart. “I am pleased that we have had another successful Summer Literacy Adventure, and I commend our students for their participation.”
Florida Lottery Secretary Tom Delacenserie said, “As the 2016 Summer Literacy Adventure comes to a close, the Lottery is proud to have once again joined First Lady Ann Scott in challenging Florida’s students to further develop a love of reading that will last a lifetime.”
The 2016 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.
Donald Forgione, director of the Florida Park Service, said, “I am excited to welcome First Lady Ann Scott to Oscar Scherer State Park. While experiencing the benefits of literacy, children can also learn about the Florida scrub-jay, an imperiled species found only in Florida and also found throughout this park.”
Students can fill out their Summer Literacy Adventure Pledge form at 2016 Summer Literacy Adventure. During the 2016 – 2017 academic year, First Lady Scott will visit the school whose students successfully completed the most pledges.
Read More News...