Community Inspires Love of Reading
Chula Vista Mayor, William D. Lynch Literacy Foundation and Business Leaders inspire love of reading in City's youngest residents.
On the morning of Tuesday, March 3, 2010, three- and four-year-old students, proudly wearing their self-made Cat in the Hat hats, welcomed Chula Vista Mayor Cheryl Cox to Mi Escuelita Therapeutic Preschool to celebrate National Education Association's (NEA) Annual Read Across America Day. The nation's largest reading event - which falls on Dr. Seuss's birthday - encourages a lifetime of good reading habits.
Community leaders, including: Chula Vista Mayor Cheryl Cox, Rice Elementary Principle - Emiko Nakamura, Patriece and Kevin McPeak, and StayClassy.org's Pat Walsh, read a variety of Dr. Seuss stories, sang songs and helped serve the morning snack of green eggs and ham! Each child was then presented with their very own copy of a Dr. Seuss book, made possible thanks to the support of Mayor Cox along with the William D. Lynch Literacy Foundation, Barnes and Noble at Otay Ranch and the Otay Ranch Towne Center.
NEA's Read Across America celebration offered an opportunity for community members to be a part of high quality early childhood education and encourage the importance of reading with the future leaders of our community.
"Parents who read aloud to their young children help them build literacy, confidence, and enthusiasm for reading," said Mayor Cox. "As a former teacher, I understand the value of a book and I applaud the generosity of the William D. Lynch Literacy Foundation for assuring that each child at Mi Escuelita has their very own book to enjoy at home and that each teacher can add to their classroom library."
Mi Escuelita Therapeutic Preschool provides an all-day free preschool to children who have been affected by domestic violence and abuse. Often children who have suffered traumatic situations have a harder time in school and fall behind. Mi Escuelita offers students a place to heal, learn and become ready for school success.
South Bay Community Services is a non-profit organization providing services, support and opportunities for over 50,000 individuals and families annually in the South San Diego County.
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