Children's Reading Foundation Kick-Off

from left to right, Hatch Valley Public Schools Superintendent Anna Lisa Banegas-Peña, Las Cruces Public School Superintendent Stan Rounds, Mesilla Mayor Nora Barraza, Las Cruces Mayor Ken Miyagishima and Gov. Susana Martinez

The Kick-off of The Children’s Reading Foundation of Dona Ana County took place May 13^th. in the O’Donnell Hall Atrium. The Children’s Reading Foundation is a community-driven, county-wide project that promotes the message, “Read to a Child Every Day”, and focuses on improving literacy throughout Dona Ana County.

As educators, our first academic responsibility is to teach our students to read well by third grade. Here’s why. Up through third grade, children learn to read. After third grade, they read to learn. Children who read succeed, in school and in life. The simple act of enjoying books together every day from birth through elementary school establishes essential reading skills while building warm relationships. Your love and time are priceless.

Ayana Pai, a student at Las Cruces Academy, started a program that sends books to children after they visit the doctor.

All attendees of the Children's Reading Foundation Kick-off had the opportunity to visit an elementary school and read to a class of young children for twenty minutes.

Speakers  during the opening reception included Governor Susana Martinez as well as Las Cruces Mayor Ken Miyagishima, Mesilla Mayor Nora Barraza, Associate Dean, College of Education, Dr. Robert Rhodes, NMSU Associate Vice President and Deputy Provost Dr. Gregory Fant, Bishop Ricardo Ramirez, State Senator Stephen Fischmann, LCPS Superintendent Stan Rounds, Hatch Schools Superintendent Dr. Anna Lisa Banegas-Pena, Aryana Pai and Dona Ana Community College President, Dr. Margie Huerta.