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In an effort to support Read Across America and Kaiserslautern Elementary School, several leaders from the KMC took part in the annual Read Across America Day by reading to children at KES March 2.
Among these leaders from the Army were Maj. Gen. Patricia E. McQuistion, commanding general of the 21st Theater Sustainment Command; Col. Anthony J. English, commander of the 357th Air and Missile Defense-Detachment; Lt. Col. Kevin F. Ciocca, commander of the 5th Battalion, 7th Air Defense Artillery; and Lt. Col. Kevin S. Hutchison, commander of U.S. Army Garrison Kaiserslautern. Also present were some of the command teams’ command sergeants major.
The National Education Association’s Read Across America is a reading motivation and awareness program that calls for every child in every community to celebrate reading. The program provides NEA members, parents, caregivers and children the resources and activities they need to keep reading the whole year.
“Reading is critical to the life-long education program and for children to see others adults in the community reading, not only teachers, it demonstrates to the children that it really is a skill needed to be successful,” Colonel English said. “Bringing in leaders across the community also allows us to be able to give back to the community for their continued support. I think it is very important for the community leaders, parents, Soldiers and civilians to participate in the program.”
“When children see adults passionate about reading they become passionate about reading,” said Becky Ciocca, a first-grade teacher at KES.
According to the NEA, motivating children to read is an important factor in student achievement and creating lifelong successful readers. Research has shown that children who are motivated and spend more time reading do better in school.
The annual Read Across America Day is held March 2 in celebration of Dr. Seuss’ birthday.
In addition to the 3.2 million elementary and secondary teachers, higher education faculty, education support professionals, school administrators, retired educators and students preparing to become teachers who make up NEA membership, some 40 national organizations and associations give their support to Read Across America.
“As Command Sgt. Maj. Darrin Jefferies and I visited the classroom, the children were very receptive to our visit and very attentive,” Colonel English added. “Throughout the course of the morning, the children also loved assisting in making green eggs and ham to eat as a morning snack to compliment the reading of the Dr. Seuss book.”
“We would be happy to go back and read some more,” Colonel Hutchison said.
