Governor & First Lady Encourage Nebraska Classrooms to be part of Read Across America

Press Release

Governor & First Lady Encourage Nebraska Classrooms to be part of Read Across America

Gov. Dave Heineman will be visiting several Nebraska elementary schools in the weeks ahead to promote Read Across America, a national campaign that celebrates the fun and value of reading.

Today, the Governor is visiting Covington Elementary in South Sioux City, where he will read to students during a school assembly. He also plans to read to the students of Madison Elementary on Feb. 7, and will talk about the importance of reading during visits to Lincoln's Humann Elementary on Feb. 8, and Harvey Oaks Elementary in Omaha on Feb. 27.

The Governor will be joined by First Lady Sally Ganem during a visit to McPhee Elementary in Lincoln on March 3, which is national Read Across America Day. His final visit during the Governor's tour of schools will be Omaha's Holy Name Catholic Elementary on March 6.

Read Across America is held each year on March 3, which was the birthday of former children's book author Dr. Seuss. It is an opportunity to encourage readers of all ages to pick up a book. The annual event is sponsored by the National Education Association and is in its 11th year.

"Reading is critical to every child's growth," Gov. Heineman said. "The Read Across America effort is a reminder to all of us that inspiring a passion for reading is one of the best gifts we can give our children. My hope is that thousands of Nebraska students and families will take part in this year's reading campaign."

Ganem said, "As a former teacher, literacy is an important issue to me and I'm pleased that Nebraska classrooms will join the millions of children and adults around the world who take part in this year's Read Across America event. This event has the potential to help encourage a life-long love of reading, so I encourage everyone to set aside time during the next several weeks to share a book with a child."

Ganem also will read to Elkhorn students at Hillside Elementary on Feb. 29, and Skyline Elementary on March 5. Lt. Gov. Rick Sheehy is also planning to celebrate Read Across America Day. He is scheduled to read to students of Bancroft Elementary in Omaha on March 3.

More information on Read Across America is available online at http://www.nea.org/readacross.

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