May 11, 2016
DOE Press Office
Tallahassee, Fla. – Today, First Lady Ann Scott welcomed more than 35 students from Kate Sullivan Elementary School to the Governor’s Mansion to kick off the Sixth Annual Summer Literacy Adventure. The Summer Literacy Adventure encourages students to make a reading pledge and visit their local library during the upcoming summer break. In the coming weeks, First Lady Ann Scott will hold fun-filled events at Florida state parks to encourage students to read this summer.
First Lady Ann Scott said, “The Summer Literacy Adventure gives Florida students extra encouragement to continue reading while they are away from school over the summer. As a mother and grandmother to four young grandchildren, sharing our family’s love for reading is very important to me. I look forward to traveling across Florida and meeting students who have pledged to read this summer. Thank you to everyone who has worked to make the Summer Literacy Adventure a success for the last six years!”
The 2016 Summer Literacy Adventure is a partnership between First Lady Ann Scott, Florida Department of Education (FDOE), the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), and the Florida Lottery.
FDOE Commissioner Pam Steward said, “We are incredibly thankful to have a First Lady who is so passionate about the importance of reading in our state. The Summer Literacy Adventure is a great opportunity for Florida’s wonderful students to participate in reading activities throughout the summer at our state parks.”
DEP Secretary Jon Steverson said, “DEP is proud to partner with the First Lady, FDOE and the Florida Lottery to provide memorable learning experiences for Florida students. Through this partnership, students have the opportunity to keep learning and reading during their summer break, as well as experience the beauty of our state parks.”
Florida Lottery Secretary Tom Delacenserie said, “We are proud to support the Summer Literacy Adventure to inspire Florida students to enjoying reading and learning. We thank First Lady Ann Scott and the many other education advocates across the state for making student learning a priority.”
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 children to read, parents are playing a critical role in achieving Florida’s goal of having every child reading at or above grade level.
