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KNEA/Cox Communications web cast features Governor Sebelius reading to 7,000 students across Kansas

Governor Kathleen Sebelius will virtually "Read Across Kansas" when she reads to 100 first graders at Pauline Central Primary School in the Auburn-Washburn School District.  Some 7,000 students get to hear the Governor read the Dr. Seuss book Oh, the Thinks you can Think! during the Cox Communications' web cast.

"It's so important that we encourage our children to develop a love of reading," Sebelius said. "A good book can inspire a child, spark their imagination, or even change the course of their life."

Elementary schools in the Cox Communications communities from Garden City to Iola and from Arkansas City to Topeka are participating in this event to support the Kansas National Education Association's Read Across Kansas program.  The Governor will also answer questions from the children.

Two of the participating schools will receive a $1,000 school library grant or a collection of Dr. Seuss books donated by Cox Communications. 

"Reading is an essential skill students need to succeed," said Kimberly Edmunds, Senior vice president and general manager for Cox Kansas/Arkansas.  "We hope this event will support the efforts of our teachers by reiterating to the children that reading is fun and it has a profound effect on our lives.  Dr. Seuss said, 'The more you read, the more things you will know. The more you learn, the more places you'll go.'  That's the message we want to send to the kids through this event."

The KNEA promotes Read Across Kansas each year to coincide with national activities celebrating the birthday of children's author Dr. Seuss.  "Although children have many distractions like TV, video games and high-tech gadgets, nothing rivals the power of reading a good book," said KNEA President West.  "The challenge is cutting through the competitive clutter to get children energized about reading.  That's why Read Across Kansas has been so successful at cultivating a love of books for young readers-it makes reading just plain fun."

Joining Gov. Sebelius is Andover 5th grader Rachel Schwartzbeck. She won KNEA's reading poster contest.  Her parents are Ellen and John Schwartzbeck.

The event is part of the KNEA's annual Read Across Kansas celebration.  KNEA's program focuses on the importance of reading to help children master basic skills. KNEA teachers recommend books in the Kansas State Reading Circle Catalog, a researchable database listing books by author, title and grade level. There are also William Allen White Award winners and Kansas-theme books.

Part of a National Education Association Read Across America program, "Read Across" celebrates 11 years of encouraging adults to "pick up a book and read with a child."  The Cat-in-the-Hat is 51 years old this year and Dr. Seuss' would have been 104.

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