Senate Resolution No. 838

BY: Senator COMRIE

COMMENDING the National Education Association upon
the occasion of hosting Read Across America on March
2, 2017

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize and
pay tribute to those organizations which are committed to enhancing the
quality of education in the State of New York, and which enable our
schools to offer excellent educational programs in the most efficient
manner; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
commend the National Education Association upon the occasion of hosting
Read Across America on Thursday, March 2, 2017; and

WHEREAS, In May of 1997, a small reading task force at the National
Education Association (NEA) decided to create a day to celebrate
reading; the initiative, entitled "Read Across America", is an annual
reading motivation and awareness program which calls for every child in
every community to celebrate reading on March 2, 2017, the birthday of
beloved children's author Dr. Seuss; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Seuss is a giant within the literary world; his work
has inspired millions of children from every race and creed to read
books, which traditionally has not always been the easiest task to
complete; and

WHEREAS, Throughout his exceptional career, Dr. Seuss has always
taught children that "you'll never be bored when you try something new";
his work in particular bridged that gap and made reading entertaining
for youth all over the world; and

WHEREAS, Motivating children to read is an important factor in
student achievement and creating lifelong successful readers; research
has shown that children who are motivated and spend more time reading do
better in school; and

WHEREAS, Strong literacy skills are a crucial component to having a
productive life, and literacy development begins at birth; studies show
that children who are successful readers by third grade are more likely
to do well in school, graduate from high school, and have successful
careers as adults; an investment in early literacy is an investment in
the success and sustainability of a community; and

WHEREAS, In addition to the 3.2 million elementary and secondary
teachers, higher education faculty, education support professionals,
school administrators, retired educators, and students preparing to
become teachers who make up NEA membership, some 50 national
organizations and associations give their support; and

WHEREAS, The NEA hopes that through the resources and activities
they provide its members, parents, caregivers, children will happily
keep reading each and every day of the year; and


WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is very pleased to have this
opportunity to salute the National Education Association for its long
history of purposeful endeavor which has greatly benefited communities
throughout the State of New York, and to wish this worthy organization
continued success in future years; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend the National Education Association upon the occasion of hosting
Read Across America on March 2, 2017; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the National Education Association.