POTTSTOWN, PA — On Friday Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) Secretary Dr. Khalid N. Mumin took a special trip to Rupert Elementary School in the Pottstown School District to share the joy of reading with students from pre-K through fourth grade. The visit, marking Drop Everything and Read (D.E.A.R.) Day, highlighted the importance of reading in educational development and personal growth across all ages.
During his time at Rupert Elementary, Secretary Mumin emphasized the manifold benefits of regular reading, highlighting its role in reducing stress, improving sleep, expanding vocabulary, and enhancing creativity among both children and adults. “Simply picking up a book,” he noted, “can lead to substantial improvements in memory, analytical skills, and more.”
Research supports Mumin’s assertions, indicating that habitual reading fosters better focus, critical thinking, communication skills, and empathy. It also offers significant educational advantages, including increased language development, vocabulary expansion, and comprehension skills — essential components for academic success and lifelong learning.
Principal Matthew Moyer of Rupert Elementary expressed his gratitude for the secretary’s visit, reflecting on the positive impact of reading aloud to students. “It cultivates a lifelong love for literature,” Moyer stated, acknowledging the power of storytelling in sparking imagination and developing critical thinking abilities.
The event aligns with the Shapiro Administration’s broader educational goals, as evidenced by the 2024-25 budget proposal. This ambitious plan seeks to ensure that Pennsylvania’s children have access to quality education and the necessary support to thrive academically and beyond. With a historic nearly $1.1 billion increase in basic education funding, along with substantial allocations for school environmental repairs, mental health supports, and school safety improvements, the administration is taking decisive steps toward enhancing the state’s educational landscape.
D.E.A.R. Day, celebrated annually on the birthday of beloved author Beverly Cleary, is part of a national month-long initiative encouraging individuals to prioritize reading. The event draws support from a coalition of educational and literacy organizations, including the National Education Association (NEA), Parent Teacher Association (PTA), and HarperCollins Children’s Books, among others. This collective effort highlights the critical role of reading in fostering connections, supporting emotional well-being, and building a foundation for future success.
Secretary Mumin’s visit to Rupert Elementary not only brought attention to the significance of D.E.A.R. Day but also served as a powerful reminder of the transformative potential of reading. By championing literacy initiatives and investing in educational resources, Pennsylvania is positioning itself as a leader in creating opportunities for its youngest citizens to succeed, underscoring the pivotal role of education in shaping a prosperous future for all.
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