March 2nd Declared Read Across America Day
Promoting Literacy and Celebrating the Power of Reading
SACRAMENTO — Today, Thursday, February 28, 2019 Assemblywoman Cottie Petrie-Norris (D-Laguna Beach) introduced House Resolution 16 proclaiming March 2nd as Read Across America Day in California, an annual reading motivation and awareness program that calls for every child in every community to celebrate reading on the birthday of beloved children's author Dr. Seuss. It is sponsored by the National Education Association and California Teachers Association, along with many of the country’s leading literacy and youth groups. The resolution passed the State Assembly 75-0.
Assemblywoman Petrie-Norris said, “Every student deserves a quality education, and reading is a fundamental skill that helps students thrive and succeed in school. On this day we celebrate the power of reading by promoting literacy. Books stimulate curiosity and reveal unexplored universes. As Dr. Seuss wrote, "The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you'll go." I appreciate the emphasis that Read Across America Day helps place on child literacy. In the Assembly, I’ll continue to advocate for all of our teachers and schools to have the tools they need to help every student learn and succeed.”
On Friday morning March 1, 2019 Assemblywoman Petrie-Norris will celebrate locally in Laguna Beach by reading to classrooms at El Morro Elementary and Top of the World Elementary.
Annually, the National Education Association spearheads Read Across America Day with support from more than 50 national association and nonprofit partners. Locally, everyone from schools to libraries to community centers to churches to hospitals to bookstores-is invited to host local events to celebrate and promote children's reading.
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