CARSON CITY, Nev. – Governor Steve Sisolak issued a proclamation declaring March 2-6 Nevada Reading Week.
The Governor’s proclamation celebrates the State’s commitment to ensuring that every student graduates with the literacy skills needed to reach their full personal, social, and educational potential. Reading Week provides an opportunity to highlight the pivotal role that reading plays in empowering all Nevadans to participate fully in our communities and contribute to the economic future of the Silver State.
 
“Literacy is a fundamental building block of education and Reading Week is a wonderful way to nurture students’ passion for reading,” said Jhone Ebert, Superintendent of Public Instruction. “The Department is proud to partner with educators across the State this week and every day to celebrate the power of reading to help students develop self-expression, provide windows into other worlds, and expand knowledge and critical thinking skills.”
 
The 2019 Legislative Session dramatically increased funding for the Read by Grade 3 program, which was launched in 2015 to improve student achievement and reading proficiency. On February 18, 2020, the Department of Education co-sponsored a Read by Grade 3 Share Fair with the Northwest Evaluation Association where over 200 literacy specialists and other educators gathered to learn about the latest evidence-based practices to improve literacy teaching and learning.
 
Superintendent Ebert and other Nevada Department of Education employees are participating in Reading Week by surprising students in classrooms across the State, including at:

• Floyd Elementary School in Nye County School District
• Agnes Risley, Hunsberger, Jessie Beck, Kate Smith, Lena Juniper, Smithridge, and Verdi Elementary Schools in Washoe County School District
• Booker, Cunningham, Lowman, Paradise, Red Rock, Thiriot, and Wendell Williams Elementary Schools in Clark County School District

The Nevada Department of Education launched Reading Week in 1987 as a statewide initiative for Nevada teachers and librarians to celebrate reading through shared thematic activities. Nevada Reading Week is planned to coincide with the birthday of Dr. Seuss, which is on March 2. This year’s Reading Week theme is “Saddle Up and Read!” which has inspired student artwork and activities across the State.