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TALLAHASSEE – With crystal clear springs in the background and Florida
alligators sunning on the shorelines, Florida First Lady Ann Scott met with
students today at Wakulla Springs to encourage participation in the Summer
Literacy Adventure. Mrs. Scott was joined by the Florida Department of Education
(DOE), Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) and the Florida
Department of State (DEP) in hosting students from the Tallahassee and Wakulla
regions to invite them to read throughout the summer break.
“Florida state parks offer wonderful opportunities for children and families
to explore and have fun,” said First Lady Ann Scott. “I want to challenge all
Floridians to read as many books as they can this summer. Read indoors and
outdoors, or read books about nature, parks, and Florida history. I took the
summer reading pledge, and you can too.”
Studies have consistently shown that students who read throughout the year
are better able to retain their knowledge and continue to learn. To participate
in the Summer Literacy Adventure, students can visit the Just Read, Florida!
website at www.justreadflorida.com to take the pledge. A select school with the
most participating students in the Summer Literacy Adventure will be recognized
during the 2011-12 school year, with all of its students winning a one-day pass
to any Florida State Park.
”Student learning shouldn’t stop during the summer months, and this is a
great way for families to participate in the education process beyond the
classroom,” said Just Read, Florida! Executive Director Stuart Greenberg. “The
Department is thrilled to have Mrs. Scott and our agency partners to help
promote the importance of literacy year-round.”
Students who take the pledge may also utilize a free online tool to search
for books based on their reading ability and interests. The DOE, through
MetaMetrics, offers a unique resource called “Find a Book, Florida” at
http://florida.lexile.com
that uses Lexile® measures, a widely adopted reading metric that can guide a
reader to an appropriate level book. Each year, more than 30 million Lexile
measures are reported from reading assessments and programs—representing over
half of U.S. students.
“With unlimited shady spots and gorgeous scenery to spark the imagination,
Wakulla Springs State Park is the ideal place to get immersed in a book,” said
Florida State Parks Director Donald Forgione. “This summer, we encourage
students and families to discover the joy of reading in one of Florida’s 160
awarding-winning State Parks.”
For more information on Florida’s State Parks, visit
www.FloridaStateParks.org,
www.twitter.com/FLStateParks and
www.facebook.com/FLStateParks.
The Department of State also encourages students to read, and local public
libraries throughout the state host a variety of programs during the summer to
promote reading. The Department’s Florida Library Youth Program enables
participants of all ages to enjoy fun activities, special guest performances,
presentations, crafts and more at various public libraries. Information on the
locations of public libraries in Florida can be found at
www.fllibraries.org. |
2012 State of Florida