First Lady Ann Scott Celebrates Madison Street Academy for Students’ Summer Reading Accomplishments
December 1, 2016
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First Lady Ann Scott Celebrates Madison Street Academy for Students’ Summer Reading Accomplishments
Tallahassee, Fla., December 1, 2016 – Today, First Lady Ann Scott visited Madison Street Academy of Visual and Performing Arts in Marion County to congratulate them for winning the 2016 First Lady’s Summer Literacy Adventure reading challenge. The students were recognized for pledging to read nearly 12,000 books and for having 100 percent participation. Each student and school employee received family passes to a Florida state park and the school received 100 books for its library.
The Summer Literacy Adventure is an annual partnership between the Florida Department of Education, Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) and the Florida Lottery that is designed to encourage Florida students to strengthen their reading skills during the summer break.
“I am immensely proud of Madison Street Academy’s students for their commitment to summer reading,” said First Lady Ann Scott. “They set a great example for the rest of our state’s students, and I enjoyed visiting them and their outstanding educators to celebrate their success.”
“Congratulations to the students at Madison Street Academy for winning the Summer Literacy Adventure!” said Commissioner of Education Pam Stewart. “Reading opens up an exciting world of possibilities, and these students are to be commended. I hope they always remember the excitement they felt during First Lady Scott’s visit and that their love for reading continues to grow.”
“Our students did all the work – and they really deserve all the recognition,” said Madison Street Academy Principal Kendra Hamby. “Literacy really drives every effort of our teachers because reading is paramount to everything we do in life. Our students set the goal, worked hard, and now enjoyed the fruits of their labor with a great visit from Mrs. Scott.”
The First Lady’s Summer Literacy Adventure challenged students to read as many books as possible during the summer break. First Lady Ann Scott visited state parks and emphasized to students the value of reading. Statewide, 11,564 students pledged to read 131,402 books this summer.
“DEP is proud to partner with First Lady Ann Scott, the Department of Education and the Florida Lottery to host the Summer Literacy Adventure in Florida State Parks each year,” said DEP Secretary Jon Steverson. “By working together to teach children about Florida’s environment, we’re helping the next generation develop an understanding and passion for natural Florida.”
Research shows that children who do not continue reading through the summer can lose a month or more of progress made during the schoolyear. By reminding their children to read over breaks from school, parents play an important role in ensuring every child reads at or above grade level.
The Florida Lottery donated books to students throughout the summer as part of the 2016 Summer Literacy Adventure.
“The Florida Lottery is proud to have served as a sponsor of the 2016 Summer Literacy Adventure,” said Secretary Tom Delacenserie. “At the Florida Lottery, we understand that reading is the foundation of learning and success, and we congratulate the students and faculty of Madison Street Academy of Visual and Performing Arts for being this year’s winners.”
For more information about the First Lady’s Summer Literacy Adventure, visit http://www.fldoe.org/academics/standards/just-read-fl/summer-lit-adventure.stml.
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