News release:
State Assemblywoman Melissa Melendez, R-Lake Elsinore, visited St. James Catholic School in Perris Friday to celebrate the annual Read Across America Day. This celebration serves as a day for reading awareness and encouragement and it calls on every child in every community to celebrate reading.
A United States Department of Education study has shown that children with higher reading proficiency are much more successful in other subjects like math and science. Children who are read to out loud or read on their own are more likely to develop good grammatical skills much earlier than those who don’t read.
“I was honored to be invited to celebrate this year’s Read Across America Day at St. James Catholic School," said the Assemblywoman. "Supporting the early reading habits for youngsters is one of the best ways to prepare them for a bright future. Nearly 40 million Americans, young and old, will read today, showing their commitment to the importance of literacy. I look forward to joining my colleagues, parents, and teachers by motivating and encouraging young students to read every day."
Read Across America Day encourages kids to read at least twenty minutes a day. Founded 16 years ago in 1997, nearly 40 million Americans, both young and old, participate in the celebration by reading aloud or encouraging young students to read.
This celebration also coincides with Dr. Seuss’ birthday on March 2. Few children’s authors have had such an impact on adolescent readers as the works created by Dr. Seuss. His stories have inspired the imaginations of millions, and his simple literary works will continue to encourage literacy and creativity among young students for decades to come.
Studies have shown that few things successfully prepare a child for high school and college better than reading at an early age. I hope parents, volunteers, and young students will continue to honor Read Across America Day by committing to reading. I encourage all of our young students to sit down and enjoy a good book.
Melendez represents the 67th Assembly District, which includes the communities of Lake Elsinore, Canyon Lake, Murrieta, Menifee, Wildomar and a portion of Hemet. It also includes the Riverside County unincorporated areas of Lake Mathews, Good Hope, Nuevo and Winchester.
