First Lady Ann Scott today made her final stop on the 2018 Summer Literacy Adventure at Fort Mose Historic State Park in St. Augustine. During her visit, First Lady Ann Scott shared her passion for reading with students from the St. Johns County Summer Camp Program and encouraged them to take the Summer Literacy Adventure pledge to read every day. At the start of the 2018-19 school year, First Lady Ann Scott will visit the school whose students successfully completed the most pledges during the 2018 Summer Literacy Adventure.
First Lady Ann Scott said, “I had an extraordinary time visiting students around the state and sharing my love of reading during the 2018 Summer Literacy Adventure. I truly believe that a strong foundation of literacy is important for students to achieve their dreams and career goals. I’m so excited to celebrate with the winning school this fall and meet even more of Florida’s outstanding students and educators!”
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 generously provided state park passes, Junior Ranger Activity Folders, pencils and sunglasses for the student participants, and a Florida Lottery sponsorship made it possible for students to leave with a goody bag containing books.
“It is critical that Florida’s students continue to read during the summer months to ensure they are prepared to succeed during the school year,” said Commissioner of Education Pam Stewart. “I am grateful that First Lady Ann Scott has dedicated her time to inspiring Florida students to share her love of reading.”
“First Lady Ann Scott has done an outstanding job encouraging students across the state to keep up their reading by participating in the 2018 Summer Literacy Adventure,” said Secretary Jim Poppell. “The Florida Lottery is proud to sponsor this program, and we wish Florida’s students and educators the best as they begin a new school year.”
The 2018 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.
“DEP is honored to join First Lady Ann Scott and the Florida Department of Education to promote the importance of reading to children statewide,” said DEP Secretary Noah Valenstein. “We encourage students and their families to visit Florida State Parks and enjoy a good book around Florida’s natural beauty.”
For more information, visit 2018 Summer Literacy Adventure.
For more information about the Florida Department of Education, visit fldoe.org.
