Celebrate Literacy Week, Florida!

Join us in recognizing the successes of Florida's schools and students by participating
in the 5th annual Celebrate Literacy Week, Florida! "Take the Lead and Read" campaign.
Celebrate Literacy Week is sponsored by the Daytona International Speedway and
Scholastic, and will take place January 14-18. The Florida Office of Early Learning
is collaborating with the Just Read, Florida! Office to celebrate Literacy Week.
During the week, hundreds of representatives from state and local law enforcement
agencies, the Florida Department of Health, and the Florida Department of Education
will read to the children in Florida classrooms. This effort fosters partnerships
between community members and local schools, as well as encouraging students to
read.

VPK Providers can participate in the 26 second Public Service Announcement (PSA)
contest, Million Minute Marathon, and the Simultaneous Reading activity. The simultaneous
reading will be held on Wednesday, January 16th at 9:30am. Providers are encouraged
to invite professionals from their communities to participate in the event by reading
to the children during this time. The book chosen for this year's simultaneous reading
is Hot Rod Hamster by Cynthia Lord. In the past, we have purchased the books for
Celebrate Literacy Week for all our VPK classrooms, and will continue to do so
this year, by purchasing books for every VPK classroom that we serve.

For the Million Minute Marathon, providers are required to keep track of the total
amount of minutes read during literacy week and report this information to the Coalition.
The top 3 VPK providers "Million Minute Marathon winners" in each coalition will
receive a certificate of recognition.

For more information on Celebrate Literacy Week, Florida!, visit the Florida Departmentof Education's Website and don't forget to keep up with with Race Car!