SAN ANGELO, Texas — The San Angelo Independent School District announced Friday the launch of a community-wide literacy initiative called San Angelo READS!.
According to an SAISD press release, the initiative was created to promote and encourage reading and the future-ready learner profile among its students and the greater community.
Wednesday, Dec.9 was proclaimed as the official San Angelo READS! Day. The initiative's goal is to raise awareness of the importance of literacy as well as to inspire a love for reading.
Students at elementary campuses will celebrate the first annual San Angelo READS! Day with special activities including read-alouds, dressing ups as their favorite characters and book vending machines, according to the release.
The San Angelo Area Foundation will give each third-grade student a surprise book.
The initiative was driven by statistics that show students who do not read at grade level by the end of third grade only have a one in eight chance to catch up to other students.
Children who read daily or weekly score better on reading and writing tests than children who read less frequently, the release said.
SAISD said it's committed to building literacy skills that create students who are prepared for future successes and building a better tomorrow for its students and community.
SAISD is asking the community to help make an impact on Dec. 9 to raise awareness for literacy in the community.
To promote literacy, people can read with a student, donate a book or support literacy programs in the community.
For more information, visit saisd.org/read or the San Angelo Independent School District social media pages.
