CARSON CITY, Nev. - Governor Steve Sisolak issued a proclamation  declaring March 1-5 Nevada Reading Week. The Governor's proclamation celebrates 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.

The Nevada Department of Education (NDE) launched Reading Week over 30 years ago as a Statewide initiative to foster a love of reading. "Literacy is the anchor of education and Reading Week is a wonderful way to nurture students' passion for reading," said Jhone Ebert, Superintendent of Public Instruction. "Especially during the challenges we have faced this school year due to COVID-19, the Department is proud to partner with families and educators to celebrate the power of reading to help students broaden their horizons, deepen their knowledge, and develop a life-long love of reading."This year's theme is "Change Your World-Read!" and inspired the first-ever Statewide student artwork contest to design the Reading Week logo. Isabella Lopez, an eighth-grade student at Sparks Middle School in the Washoe County School District was the winner with her unique design. She applied balance, symmetrical thought, and developed the theme in an exciting way that demonstrated her advanced skill and knowledge. We also recognize want to recognize our five student finalists for their efforts:

• Zuma Gettis, Grade 5, Sutro Elementary School in Lyon County School District
• Christina Meza,  Grade 10, Dayton High School in Lyon County School District
• Agnes Milwane, Grade 5, Newton Elementary School in Clark County School District
• Leonardo Mora, Grade 5, Kim Elementary School in Clark County School District
• Mary Vilaysing, Grade 9, Valley High School in Clark County School District 

NDE hosts professional learning events throughout the year to support educators in improving their practice around literacy. On February 6, 2021, NDE co-sponsored a Read by Grade 3 Summit with the Northwest Evaluation Association where over 300 literacy specialists and other educators gathered to learn about the latest evidence-based practices to improve literacy instruction. One highlight of the Summit was a session focused on ways educators can foster a community of readers and celebrate reading milestones.

In addition, NDE, Nevada State Library, Archives, and Public Records (NSLA), and Renaissance announced a partnership last spring to support summer reading for all students. Through the Read Nevada partnership, pre-Kindergarten through 12^th grade students were provided no-cost access to the thousands of digital books in the myON digital library. From May 1st to February 19th, students have accessed over 4 million books and read over 40 million minutes on myON.

NDE Deputy Superintendent Dr. Jonathan Moore recorded a special message for Reading Week that can be accessed on NDE's YouTube page.