Pottstown, PA - Today, Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) Secretary Dr. Khalid N. Mumin joined students at Rupert Elementary School in Pottstown School District to read to students in grades pre-K through 4 in celebration of Drop Everything and Read (D.E.A.R.) Day.
“Drop Everything and Read Day is a great way to engage learners of all ages in the act of reading and to encourage them to prioritize incorporating regular reading time into their daily lives,” said Sec. Mumin. “Simply picking up a book can reduce stress, promote better sleep, improve memory and analytical skills, expand vocabulary, increase creativity, for both children and adults.”
Research shows that regular reading can help learners improve focus and concentration, improve cognition, develop strong critical thinking skills, improve writing and communications, build problem-solving skills, learn social skills, build empathy, find connection and support, and more.
"The students and staff at Rupert Elementary School are delighted to welcome Secretary Mumin as a guest reader for DEAR Day. His passion for reading mirrors our dedication to fostering a love of reading in our children,” said Rupert Elementary School Principal Matthew Moyer. “Reading aloud to students increases language development, enriching their vocabulary and comprehension skills. Additionally, it cultivates a lifelong love for literature, sparking imagination, empathy, and critical thinking abilities that extend far beyond the pages of a book. We are grateful to the Secretary for taking time from his busy schedule to join us at Rupert to celebrate reading!"
The Shapiro Administration is committed to making sure students get the support they need to succeed – in school and beyond. The 2024-25 budget proposal builds on last year’s progress to ensure all Pennsylvania children have the opportunity to chart their own course and the opportunity to succeed, by investing in our public schools, teachers, facilities and more. This year’s proposal includes a nearly $1.1 billion increase in basic education funding – the largest in Pennsylvania history. The 2024-25 budget proposal also includes $300 million for school environmental repairs, $100 million for mental health supports in schools, a $50 million increase for special education funding, a $50 million annual investment in school safety and security improvements, $10 million for the Educator Talent Recruitment Account, and more.
Named for author Beverly Cleary with one special day of reading celebrated annually on her birthday, D.E.A.R. is a national month-long event to celebrate reading and encourage people of all ages to make reading a priority activity.
D.E.A.R. is sponsored by the National Education Association (NEA); Parent Teacher Association (PTA); Association for Library Service to Children (ALSC); Reading Rockets; The General Federation of Women’s Clubs (GFWC); the American Press Institute; First Book; HarperCollins Children’s Books; Read Kiddo Read; Walden Media and Ramona Quimby
For more information on the Pennsylvania Department of Education, please visit the Department of Education website or follow PDE on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, or Pinterest.
MEDIA CONTACT: Taj Magruder, tmagruder@pa.gov
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