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TODAY: EPA Administrator Jackson, Labor Secretary Solis Join Education Secretary Duncan for “Read to the Top” Final

Release Date: 08/28/2009
Contact Information: Betsaida Alcantara, 202-564-1692, [email protected]

WASHINGTON – On Friday, August 28, U.S. EPA Administrator Lisa P. Jackson will join U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan and U.S. Secretary of Labor Hilda Solis in a special bilingual reading event, which will culminate the Education Department’s summer literacy initiative – “Read to the Top!!” – at 12:30 p.m. EDT at Mount Vernon Community School in Alexandria, Va.

Throughout the summer, the Department of Education has partnered with community organizations nationwide to combat summer learning loss in response to President Obama’s national volunteer campaign, “United We Serve,” which challenges all Americans to engage in sustained, meaningful service to meet growing social needs resulting from the economic downturn.

During the “Read to the Top!!” event on Friday, Secretary Solis will read, “My Very Own Room – Mi Propio Cuartito,” by Amada Irma Perez; Administrator Jackson will read, “The Lorax,” by Dr. Seuss, and Secretary Duncan will read, “Listen to the Wind: The Story of Dr. Greg and Three Cups of Tea,” by Greg Mortenson and Susan L. Roth.

WHO: Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lisa P. Jackson
U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan
U.S. Secretary of Labor Hilda Solis
Mount Vernon Community School Principal Scott Coleman

WHAT: “Read to the Top!!” finale

WHERE: Mount Vernon Community School
2601 Commonwealth Ave.
Alexandria, Va.

WHEN: 12:30 EDT, Friday, Aug. 28