Public schools across the state will participate in effort to promote literacy and a love of reading
The Connecticut Education Foundation (CEF) kicked off its annual Read Across Connecticut weeklong celebration today to help spread the joy of reading to hundreds of students in Torrington.
CEF hosted an assembly for Pre-K to Grade 2 students at Torringford Elementary School from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. today and will be back at the school again tomorrow to work with students in grades 3-5 from 9:15 a.m. to 3 p.m.
“Reading is an important key to unlocking the potential of all children,” said Joslyn Delancey, CEA Vice President and President of CEA’s charitable arm, the Connecticut Education Foundation (CEF). “Read Across Connecticut is a fun and engaging way for community partners to join us in promoting literacy and lifelong learning, showing our students that strong reading habits are an essential way to build knowledge and creativity.”
All students from Pre-K through Grade 1 will receive a book bag of reading resources including journals and pencils and a “Reading is a Llama Fun” llama reading buddy. These students will also get to choose a new book to take home with them.
Scheduled readers include Torrington Mayor Elinor Carbone, State Representative Joe Canino, and other local officials. Continuing its partnership with local sports personalities as part of Read Across Connecticut, CEF has also invited the Connecticut Sun’s general manager, Morgan Tuck, and team mascot Blaze to participate.
On Wednesday, February 26 and Thursday, February 27, the celebration moves to the Vogel-Wetmore School. Students in Pre-K to grade 2 will participate in the fun from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Wednesday, and students in grades 3-5 students from 9:15 a.m. to 3:15 p.m. on Thursday.
To culminate Read Across Connecticut, the Connecticut Education Foundation (CEF) — is hosting its second annual book drive. This event will run from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, March 1, at Blue Back Square in West Hartford. Literacy-based crafts and games will take place throughout the day.
This book drive, which partners with Blue Back Square and iHeartRadio, has collected thousands of book donations in previous years to provide to Connecticut educators and stock Little Free Libraries across the state. CEF is seeking donations of new or lightly used books for K-12 reading levels.
“We know that reading is the foundation for future learning,” said DeLancey. “By providing books to children who may not have them at home, we are fostering a love of reading and helping to close the literacy gap.”
CEF encourages individual schools and educators to create their own events and community partnerships during Read Across Connecticut. We invite you to check with your local school district for additional events during this week.
Read Across Connecticut takes place in association with the National Education Association’s Read Across America initiative, which was started to motivate children to read and learn. Read Across America Day is celebrated each year on March 2nd, recognizing the birthday of beloved children’s author Theodor Geisel, commonly known as Dr. Seuss.
For additional information on Read Across Connecticut — including story read-alongs, downloadable books, games, bookmarks, reading certificates, and other resources — visit CEA’s Read Across America website.
About the Connecticut Education Association
The Connecticut Education Association is the state’s largest association of public school teachers. This member organization champions students, teachers, and public schools by advocating for policies that include competitive educator salaries and benefits, well-resourced classrooms, and safe, healthy schools. CEA was founded in 1848, and today includes more than 160 local affiliates.
About the Connecticut Education Foundation
The Connecticut Education Foundation is the charitable arm of the Connecticut Education Association. This non-profit organization supports scholarships for students who are studying to enter the teaching profession in Connecticut, provides financial assistance for CEA members who are experiencing extraordinary or catastrophic personal situations, and helps provide basic necessities to students in need. CEF was established in 1991.
