Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/279010
20 Summer 2014 x AEA Advocate Read Across America Day was celebrated Monday, March 3, enabling schools nationwide to participate in the reading fun. Celebrating a Love for Reading in Arizona For the past 16 years, the Washington Elementary School District (WESD) has implemented a successful and meaningful experience for their 24,000 kindergarten through eighth grade youth as a collaborative effort on the part of schools, the Washington District Education Association (WDEA), and the school district. Past Read Across America celebrations have featured Green Eggs and Ham breakfasts in all schools and guest readers from American Express, the Arizona Diamondbacks, Phoenix Fire Department, and the Arizona Legislature visiting classrooms. Supplementary curriculum materials and incentives have also been provided. Recent budget cuts created a shortfall for WESD to be able to offer what had been provided in the past. This year would have been the first year the association and district would have to cut printing and activities. This year, with a generous $9,000 grant from NEA and Renaissance Dental, the Read Across America committee encouraged more involvement in the planning at the school level. Each of the 32 schools was asked to submit a NEA's Read Across America ABOVE: West Park Elementary students get excited about reading. LEFT: One of many entries in Moon Mountain Elementary's door decorating contest. FAR LEFT: Howler reads to AEA President Andrew F. Morrill and the students at West Park Elementary in Buckeye. Summer.14advo.indd 20 3/14/14 2:58 PM