Senator Collins Visits Ocean Avenue Elementary School on Read Across America Day

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Washington, D.C. – This morning, on Read Across America Day, U.S. Senator Susan Collins visited Ocean Avenue Elementary School in Portland to read to a group of third graders and speak with students, faculty, and staff.  During her visit, Senator Collins read Antlers Forever! to third grade students.  She also answered questions about the U.S. government since the students are currently studying the Constitution in class. 

“There is no better place to celebrate Read Across America Day than at a school with so many enthusiastic students who share a passion for learning,” said Senator Collins.  “The faculty, staff, and students at Ocean Avenue Elementary School were extremely welcoming and showed a strong commitment to academics, excellence, and fostering a healthy school environment.”

Senator Collins has visited more than 200 schools throughout Maine during her Senate service and has long led efforts to honor our nation’s public schools and improve our education system. 

This week, Senators Collins and Jack Reed (D-RI) renewed their commitment to encouraging healthy reading habits among young Americans by introducing a bipartisan resolution designating today, March 1, 2019, as “Read Across America Day.”  The resolution was unanimously passed by the Senate.

Now celebrating its 22nd year, Read Across America is an annual event sponsored by the National Education Association (NEA) and partner organizations that seeks to motivate children and teens to improve their literacy skills.  The event coincides with the birthday of Theodor Geisel, better known by his pseudonym “Dr. Seuss,” who was a prolific writer of popular children’s stories.  On the weekday closest to Geisel’s birthday, the NEA helps organize events and activities in schools throughout the U.S. that emphasize the importance of reading and the enjoyment it brings year-round.

Ocean Avenue Elementary School opened in 2011 and serves more than 400 students in kindergarten through fifth grade.