Tuesday March 5, 2013: Senator Joe Leibham took time out from Madison this week to read with the CESA 7 Head Start full day program in Manitowoc, WI. The children learned what it means to be an American as Senator Leibham read a book about the origin of the American flag. The children eagerly asked questions and called out “There’s another flag!” as Senator Leibham turned the pages.
Senator Leibham participates in the Reading Is Fundamental campaign whose mission is “to motivate young children to read by working with them, their parents, and community members to make reading a fun and beneficial part of everyday life.” Nearly two-thirds of low-income families in the U.S. own no books, but through programs such as Head Start, and volunteers such as Senator Leibham, children gain exposure to early literacy to stimulate their imagination and expand their understanding of the world through books. Reading aloud to children at an early age is the most effective way to help them attain literacy skills. “Planting seeds of inspiration in our nation’s most vulnerable children is what RIF and a network of more than 400,000 volunteers do.”
Head Start will be looking for additional community support such as graciously provided by Senator Leibham’s visit, as overall funding in 2013 will be cut between 5%-8% due to the recent Federal Government sequestration. CESA7 Head Start serves 257 Head Start and 78 Early Head Start children in Manitowoc, Two Rivers, Reedsville, Ashwaubenon, Depere, Howard Suamico. Through Head Start children living in poverty are provided early learning, healthcare and socialization opportunities to set them up for success in later life.
