In 1987, the Nevada Department of Education launched a statewide initiative to celebrate reading through shared thematic activities. Many celebrities, parents and members of the Las Vegas community participate by reading to the students. This year, Nevada Reading Week runs from March 2-6 under the theme “Saddle Up and Read”. Nevada’s reading week coincides with Dr. Seuss’ birthday on March 2.
Spread the Word Nevada, is a nonprofit organization dedicated to children’s literacy that is dedicated to advancing early childhood literacy by placing books in the hands and at the homes of children from at-risk communities and low income from Nevada. While developing a love of reading, these libraries promote future academic success and self-confidence, which has an impact on lifelong success. Since 2001, Spread the Word Nevada has distributed more than 4.8 million new and lightly used books to approximately 542,000 low-income youth in Nevada.
“Today was really important because UFC fighters came to visit our school and read to our students,” said Stephanie Wong, principal of Red Rock Elementary School. “Our students don’t often get to go out and see professional athletes on their site. Showing them around is great because they shared the importance of reading with the kids, and the kids respond because they know these athletes have an influence in the community. “
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