[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 99 (Tuesday, July 25, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1524]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    JUMPSTART'S READ FOR THE RECORD

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                            HON. JOE WILSON

                           of south carolina

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, July 25, 2006

  Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, literacy development 
begins at the early stages of a child's life and is the building block 
to future success. If we as a nation want to enhance our competitive 
edge in the global marketplace, we must ensure that our children have 
the basic reading skills to become successful in the classroom and 
later in the workplace.
  On August 24, 2006, people around the country will participate in 
Jumpstart's ``Read for the Record.'' This unique event will attempt to 
set the world record for the number of children reading a single book, 
or being read to, and at the same time allow people of all ages to work 
together in overcoming the school readiness issues facing our country.
  This reading experience will use one of the best known child 
motivational stories ever produced--The Little Engine That Could. In 
honor of this day, a special edition of the story was created to 
include proven reading techniques to help our children grasp core 
reading foundations. This custom edition was funded solely by a private 
company dedicated to reading excellence.
  Mrs. Laura Bush is the Honorary Chair of Jumpstart's ``Read for the 
Record'' project. As a former teacher, Mrs. Bush understands the need 
for strong reading development.
  Demonstrating this project's importance, NBC's Today Show will host a 
special segment to cover proven reading techniques. Matt Lauer will 
then read this classic book to children.
  I would like to thank Principal Mary Ellen Parks Shell Point 
Elementary School in Beaufort, South Carolina, for inviting me on 
August 24th to read to a group of kindergarten students. As an award-
winning school dedicated in closing the achievement gap in learning, I 
am extremely encouraged that the faculty and staff at Shell Point are 
totally committed to early childhood development through enhanced 
reading skills.
  Jumpstart's ``Read for the Record'' will raise the necessary 
awareness and emphasize the importance of early learning in every 
family. Participation in this event will support the goal that every 
child can read at grade level by the end of 3rd grade. For more 
information on how you too can foster stronger reading skills in our 
children, please visit www.readfortherecord.org.




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