Elected officials read to elementary students at Pontiac Academy for Excellence

Pontiac, Mich., April 1, 2015 -- In honor of National Reading Month, Pontiac Academy for Excellence (PAE), the only charter district serving kindergarten through grade twelve students in Pontiac, welcomed United States Congresswoman Brenda Lawrence (MI -14) on Friday, March 27 and Michigan House Democratic Leader Tim Greimel (D- Auburn Hills) on Tuesday, March 31, 2015, to read to a total of more than 140 elementary students.

The reading engagement focused on reinforcing PAE’s goal of building a solid literacy foundation amongst elementary students.

William Jackson, superintendent and CAO for Pontiac Academy for Excellence, elaborated on PAE’s literacy goals, “Our mission is to spark a love of reading in our students and reinforce that love with the support necessary to develop reading comprehension at or above grade level.”

PAE’s objectives align with goals statewide. According to the Promoting Early Literacy in Michigan report by the Michigan League for Public Policy, many students are struggling to read at a third grade level by the time they reach that year in their education. Identifying challenges students face and intervening during preschool through second grade are the key components to improving literacy outcomes for students across Michigan, especially in urban areas like Pontiac.

“Children model the behaviors they are presented with and as community influencers it is imperative that we lead by example,” said Congresswoman Lawrence.

State Representative Greimel added, “Reading proficiency in the early elementary grades is essential to future success in school and life. One of the most important things that adults can do to encourage that proficiency is to read to students.”

Pontiac Academy for Excellence is a charter school district in Pontiac, Michigan, that supports the whole child, whole family and whole community in the pursuit of educational and life success. Founded by OLHSA, a Community Action Agency, in 1998 to offer a superior educational experience, PAE is the largest charter option in Pontiac, serving students from kindergarten through grade twelve. At PAE children and families are provided with the stability and resources needed to grow both in the classroom and beyond. Safety, respect, learning and community are the pillars of excellence honored by each student and the district. www.pontiacacademy.org

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Media Contacts:

Amy Lafnear, Siren PR for PAE | 586.219.1557 | cayce@siren-pr.com