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                    READ ACROSS AMERICA                 

Temecula Celebrates
Read Across America

Thanks to our Equity and Human Rights Committee headed by Marcia Varner and our Community Involvement chair Patty Casey for their efforts on the Read Across America Campaign.  Ed Sibby had the opportunity to visit both Paloma and Vail Elementary Schools and participate in their reading program.  This year’s theme, Diversity and Tolerance, was well-received by readers and students.  Dr. Leighty, School Board Members Vincent O’Neil and Bob Brown, City Council Member MaryAnn Edwards and many others from the District Office were on hand as well to share 
in the reading opportunities.  Thanks to everyone who made 
it a great day!

 What is Read Across America?

Read Across America is a national day celebrating 
reading. It's sponsored by the National Education 
Association and the California Teachers Association 
along with many of the country's leading literacy 
and youth groups to motivate children to read and 
generate new enthusiasm for reading.

March 3, 2008

In California, Read Across America will be observed on Monday, March 3, instead of March 2 (Dr. Seuss' birthday), because the day falls on a Sunday. Mark your calendar at home and school to remember this special day of reading for students, family and friends. 

Why Celebrate Reading?

Learning to read is one of the most important things a child will ever learn to do. Celebrating reading through different events is a fun way to introduce children to the world of books, words and reading. Mastering basic reading skills helps motivate children to learn. The more children read, the better they read. And the more they read outside of school, the better they do in school. Continued exposure to reading and vocabulary encourages learning and the expansion of new ideas.

Parents can pick up a book and read with their children. Older children can read to younger children. Local, city and county librarians can arrange special story hours. You can invite a local news anchor, police or firefighters to read at a Read Across America event. Or invite a local bookstore to host a children's read-in. The list is endless. Get involved and this year will be a bigger and better celebration.

Read Across America Week 
Your TVEA Human Rights and Equity Committee is joining forces with our Community Involvement Committee to make this annual event something to celebrate.

Many people are not aware that our national teacher association, NEA, started this nation-wide celebration, and it belongs to teachers to make it powerful and significant to kids.  This year,TVEA has chosen the theme

                                             *Celebrating Diversity/Respect for Others*

to guide our choices in literature and special guest readers.  Click here for a  published list of suggested read aloud books for teachers to use in the classroom.  (If you have a terrific suggestion, please email it Randy Arnayro at rarnayro@tvusd.k12.ca.us so he can add it to the list.) Start thinking now of people you can invite to visit your classroom during Read Across America Week who will represent the diverse children that we teach!