CONYERS—Gov. Nathan Deal and First Lady Sandra Deal kicked off the March “Read Across Georgia” initiative today (March 4) with a visit to Pine Street Elementary School in Conyers.
The couple joined Commissioner Bobby Cagle in the Pre-K class at the school to read an original poem, written by Gov. Deal. After the poem, the governor read to the class, “Who I’d Like to Be,” a book written by Georgia author Elizabeth Brown.

“We must increase the percentage of children reading well and independently at grade-level because this lays the groundwork for all of their future academic and career endeavors,” said Mrs. Deal. “This past year, I had the opportunity to visit 100 counties and 170 schools emphasizing to parents, teachers and mentors the importance of being proficient in reading. I look forward to seeing what we can accomplish during my Read Across Georgia initiative this year.”

“Read Across Georgia,” is an initiative in support of Gov. Nathan Deal’s goal of increasing the percentage of children reading at grade level by the completion of third grade. The governor has proclaimed March as “Read Across Georgia” month in honor of this initiative. The first lady, alongside state School Superintendant John Barge, will spend the remainder of this month visiting schools across the state, reading to students and emphasizing the necessity of mentorship and the importance of being reading-proficient.