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Watch the 2011 Montana Legislative Process Live!
The Superintendent of Public Instruction's State of Education Address was conducted Wednesday February 16.
Wednesday, February 1, 2012
Growing up, going to the public library to check out books was one of my favorite activities. My friends and I rode our bikes to the library, explored the stacks and returned home with several books that would fill hours of our time. Reading opened doors to other worldviews, made me interested in many different topics and exposed me to new ideas. Reading continues to inform and inspire me. It is a vital skill for every child to have and maintain for their future success.
February is I Love to Read month, and this year's theme is "Read to Reach Your Dreams”. February 14 is designated as "I Love to Read Day" in Montana.
I encourage you and your staff to plan activities that promote reading for enjoyment as well as reading for information. Plan a day, a week or a month in which all content areas are integrated with reading, writing and language activities. If you are looking for ideas, please download this calendar of suggested activities to help your school celebrate February as I Love to Read Month.
Surrounding students with a rich variety of literature and informational reading material in engaging formats, plus experiences that make a story come alive and draw the student into a book, can provide the basis for a genuine love of reading. Reading aloud from a selection of literature or listening to audiobooks are excellent ways to introduce a theme, a concept, or new content materials to students. Read aloud to students every day, no matter how old they are.
Join with us in celebrating the “Read to Reach Your Dreams” theme for I Love to Read Month. Help students foster the belief that reading is worthwhile.
Please share with us some of the ways in which you celebrate reading. Contact Colet Bartow, Library-Information Literacy Curriculum Specialist, (cbartow@mt.gov) with your ideas and successes in promoting reading for 21st Century students.
The deadline to apply for the Graduation Matters Montana Challenge Fund is rapidly approaching.
With support from the Dennis and Phyllis Washington Foundation, the Office of Public Instruction has started the Graduation Matters Montana Challenge Fund. The OPI will assist 10 to 15 new Graduation Matters communities each year for three years. Each community will be awarded up to $10,000 to replicate successful dropout prevention strategies.
Applications are due Friday, February 17, 2012, and announcements will be made by March 19, 2012. For further assistance, please contact Thea Whalen, OPI at 444-5643 or twhalen@mt.gov.
The application for the Graduation Matters Montana Challenge Fund and informational materials can be found on our Graduation Matters website.
Last Modified: Wednesday, 15-Feb-2012 15:22:43 MST
"The Montana Office of Public Instruction provides vision, advocacy, support and leadership for schools and communities to ensure that all students meet today's challenges and tomorrow's opportunities."
The Montana Office of Public Instruction, Denise Juneau, Superintendent • P.O. Box 202501 Helena, Montana 59620-2501 • In-State Toll-Free 1.888.231.9393, Local (406) 444.3095
The Office of Public Instruction is committed to equal opportunity and non-discriminatory access to all our programs and services. For information or to file a complaint, contact OPI Title IX/EEO Coordinator at (406) 444.3161 or tantonick@mt.gov
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