On the recordJuly 15, 2015
As students enjoy summer break, we need to ensure that our kids remain intellectually engaged. Today we hear so much about our youth being glued to their screens, their tablets, and their gaming apps. It has caused concerns among parents who worry that their kids will remain idle without mental exercise during the summer months. I know that our kids can be just as enthusiastic about reading as they are about Minecraft. Last year, I started Robin's Readers, a literacy challenge for students in my district. I was blown away by the response. More than 3,000 kids participated and read over 20,000 books in a 10-week period. This past April, I hosted an awards event for these kids and saw firsthand their passion for reading. Chicago's mayor, Rahm Emanuel, has also started Rahm's Readers, which will ensure that the love for reading continues to burn strong over the summer months. I urge my colleagues, especially my Illinois colleagues, to work with me to promote literacy. I call on you to start your own reading programs. Together, we can instill a lifelong love of reading in our children. ____________________
