Heartland AEA 11

6500 Corporate Dr.

Johnston, IA 50131-1603

www.aea11.k12.ia.us

5/20/03

Contacts:

Matt Oakley, Heartland AEA 11, (515) 270-9030 ext. 4516

Steve Jones, Heartland AEA 11 Communications Office, (515) 270-9030 ext. 4317

JOHNSTON, Iowa – Heartland Area Education Agency’s reading night at Edmunds Academy in Des Moines, scheduled for 6:30 p.m. today (Tuesday, May 20), has been moved to 6:30 p.m. Thursday, May 22.

The reading night is part of Heartland AEA’s program to counteract "summer reading loss." At the reading night, a teacher or a special guest will read a favorite book to students. Parents will listen to Heartland AEA consultants explain successful strategies for reading aloud to their children. Following the program, students can borrow about 20 books each from Heartland’s extensive children’s library.

Summer reading is emphasized because research has shown that many elementary students suffer academically from not reading during summer months.

–May 21, 5:30 p.m., North Polk Central Elem., Alleman (guest reader: ISU coach Tony Alford)

–May 21, 5:30 p.m., North Polk West Elem., Polk City (guest reader: ISU coach Marty Fine)

–May 22, 6:30 p.m., Edmunds Academy, Des Moines

–May 27, 5:30 p.m., Capitol View Elementary, Des Moines (guest reader: Christie Vilsack)

–May 28, 5:30 p.m., Wallace Elementary, Des Moines (guest reader: ISU coach DeMontie Cross)

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