Marion County Public Library

First Lady Ann Scott today continued the 2017 Summer Literacy Adventure at Marion County Public Library in Ocala. First Lady Scott read to students from the Marion County Boys and Girls Club and encouraged them to read throughout the summer as they prepare for school to begin.
“I thoroughly enjoyed spending my morning at the Marion County Public Library with students from the Boys and Girls Club,” said First Lady Ann Scott. “This is the perfect time for children and families to spend extra time reading and learning together. I encourage all of our wonderful students to take the Summer Literacy Adventure pledge so they are prepared for a great school year.”
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.
“First Lady Ann Scott sets a great example for Florida’s students, and we are extremely fortunate to have her as a strong advocate for lifelong success,” said Commissioner of Education Pam Stewart. “The Summer Literacy Adventure is a great way to show our students that literacy is exciting, and it is critical that they keep reading over the summer months to retain the knowledge they have gained when school starts back in the fall.”
“In order to be successful in school and in life, it is critical for Florida’s students to develop a love of reading,” said Florida Lottery Secretary Jim Poppell. “The Lottery is honored to join First Lady Ann Scott, the Department of Education and the Department of Environmental Protection as we encourage Florida’s students to continue the Summer Literacy Adventure.”
“We are proud to work with First Lady Ann Scott and our partners to encourage students to read over the summer,” said DEP Secretary Noah Valenstein. “Florida’s natural resources have served as the inspiration for countless books, and I encourage students to read a book about Florida’s environment or history this summer.”
In May, First Lady Scott challenged Florida students to participate in the 2017 Summer Literacy Adventure by pledging to read as many books as possible during the summer. At the start of the 2017-2018 academic year, she will visit the school where students successfully completed the most reading pledges.
The 2017 Summer Literacy Adventure helps keep Florida students excited about reading and literacy during their summer break. 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.
For more information about the Florida Department of Education, visit www.fldoe.org.