Gov. Kay Ivey’s summer reading challenge has students across Alabama diving into books and sharing their literary adventures with the former teacher.
With several weeks left, they can still get in on the action.
Since the initiative kicked off May 19, the governor has received hundreds of letters from students.
“I couldn’t be prouder of our young readers. As I have read their letters, their enthusiasm for reading, writing, and drawing is evident,” Ivey said. “The stories they have discovered, the characters they have met, and the knowledge they have gained today contributes to the success they will find tomorrow.”
She shared several of the letters on Instagram.
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Autauga County Schools have been up for the challenge, with students penning 151 letters to the governor – the most of any county.
“We want to encourage our students to be lifelong learners,” Holly McNider, Autauga County Schools director of Curriculum and Instruction, said. “This was just a perfect opportunity for us to bring in the governor’s message and make sure that all of our students know the importance of reading and staying fresh with those skills.
“Because if we put it down, we’re not as sharp and ready to learn we would come back in August.”
The popular books include familiar children’s classics “Charlotte’s Web,” “Junie B. Jones,” “Pete the Cat,” and Ivey’s personal childhood favorite, “The Nancy Drew Series.”
Students are invited to write a letter to the governor, sharing their favorite summer reading book and why they enjoyed it. Letters can also be about assigned summer reading books. Each letter must include the student’s name, grade, and school.
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“I encourage each of our young Alabamians to continue picking up books for the rest of their lives,” Ivey said. “For those who are just now finding out about our summer challenge, there is still time to join us.
“Let’s keep turning those pages!”
Teachers and parents are encouraged to share what the students are reading by tweeting to @GovernorKayIvey using the hashtags #GovernorIveysReadingChallenge and #AlabamaReads.
My Summer Reading Challenge is still in full swing, and it’s not too late to write me and tell me about your favorite book. I can’t wait to hear about what Alabama’s students have been reading! ? #AlabamaReads
To join in on the fun, please visit: https://t.co/WpBoCkfm4y pic.twitter.com/EeuR9P1aaQ
— Governor Kay Ivey (@GovernorKayIvey) July 6, 2023
Grayson Everett is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @Grayson270
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