OPSB.net - Superintendent Proclaims Literacy Day February 17

The month of February has been identified as National Literacy Month. Schools have been asked to achieve increased focus on the implementation of creative literacy activities throughout the month of February. Specifically, on Tuesday, February 17, 2004, the home, school, and the community are asked to celebrate Literacy Day. As a result, all school employees and students of Ouachita Parish are asked to Drop Everything and Read (D.E.A.R.) for 10 minutes from 10:00 – 10:10 a.m. Success stories from this project will be presented to the Louisiana Reading Association and included in the final Literacy Celebration Report.

The Louisiana Reading Association (LRA), through the Northeast Louisiana Reading Council is seeking to promote reading as the most fundamental and important aspect of our educational experience. It is every human’s right to become a lifelong reader and to enhance intellectual growth and personal fulfillment.

We support LRA’s efforts to celebrate literacy awareness by declaring Tuesday, February 17, 2004, as “THE GREAT LOUISIANA READ-IN.” To participate in this statewide celebration we encourage all school personnel to participate in D.E.A.R. (Drop Everything and Read) time from 10:00 to 10:10 a.m. on February 17. Principals need to lead this effort and become role models for teachers and students. Let literacy be your main concern for that day and demonstrate through at least one planned activity that you strongly support activities that will assist students in becoming more proficient lifelong readers.

LRA is suggesting that you choose at least one of the following activities to carry out on Literacy Day and continue it though the week: ring the school bell at 10:00 a.m. to remind EVERYONE to participate in D.E.A.R. time for ten minutes; invite government officials, school board members, business partners, parents, and grandparents to read to the children; conduct a Read-a-Thon during Literacy Week; and, plant a reading tree.

Effective reading is essential to persons of all ages and endeavors if they are to be contributing members of society. Let’s help emphasize the importance of effective reading by participating in “THE GREAT LOUISIANA READ-IN” and LITERACY WEEK.