Students Set to Become Reading Champions
01-Oct-03 |
Local school children have started hitting the books to ensure the healthy birth of babies. Reading Champions, a motivational reading program sponsored by the Southern Maryland March of Dimes, began on Wednesday, October 1, 2003. Students in Pre-kindergarten through grade 5, from the schools listed below will be participating in the program in October or November: Green Holly Elementary, Lettie Marshall Dent Elementary, Piney Point Elementary, Dynard Elementary, Leonardtown Elementary, Mechanicsville Elementary, and Park Hall Elementary
“Children who read for enjoyment tend to experience greater success in all academic areas. When they take part in Reading Champions, each child reads an average of 12 books in one month - for pleasure and to help others,” said Dr. Patricia Richardson, Superintendent of St Mary’s County Public Schools and local chairperson of the event.
Participating children sign up sponsors among parents, friends and neighbors, who pledge a donation to the March of Dimes for each book the youngsters read. A variety of awards and honors will be given to each student involved in Reading Champions. These awards include: a certificate from the March of Dimes, a free lunch certificate from Old Country Buffet, a gold, silver or bronze medal depending on the number of books read, and the highest fundraiser from each school will receive a trophy for their efforts.
Funds raised by Reading Champions support the March of Dimes Prematurity Campaign to prevent birth defects, low birth weight, and infant mortality. The campaign funds local programs of education and prenatal care to improve the health of mothers and babies in our community. It also funds national programs, such as medical research, that benefit pregnant women across the nation.
The March of Dimes is a national voluntary health agency whose mission is to improve the health of babies by preventing birth defects and infant mortality. Founded in 1938, the March of Dimes funds programs of research, community services, education, and advocacy to save babies and in 2003 launched a five-year campaign to address the increasing rate of premature birth. For more information, call your local March of Dimes at 301-934-2235, or visit the March of Dimes Web site at www.marchofdimes.com, its Spanish Web site at www.nacersano.org, or call 1-888-MODIMES. |
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Donating is easy online, by phone or mail / fax.
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