Supriya Jindal, Louisiana’s first lady, knelt down to talk to a group of kids on the floor.  Then she took the time to give each and every one of them a “high five” (see first photo).  So the kindergarteners at Wedgewood Elementary School felt right at home today, October 2, when Jindal began to read the book Corduroy.  The reading, with teacher Susie Eubanks’ class, was part of Jumpstart’s Read for the Record campaign for world-record breaking reading.  Corduroy is the official campaign book.

Students across the nation, as well as in Baton Rouge, were involved in other reading activities throughout the day – starting with the simultaneous reading of Corduroy by teachers and students.  At Wedgewood Elementary, a reception for the students followed the reading, and they were given bear-shaped cookies (see second photo) – just like the toy bear featured in the book.

The Pearson Foundation is the program’s sponsor and founding partner.  Wedgewood Elementary kindergarten and pre-kindergarten students and teachers will receive a copy of the book, as well, courtesy of Pearson Digital and its foundation.  Jumpstart is a national early education organization that works toward the day every child in America enters school prepared to succeed. 

For more information, contact Joyce Graham, East Baton Rouge Parish School System’s director of reading PreK-12, at (225) 226-7717 or Wedgewood Elementary Principal Sherry Harris at (225) 753-7301 or visit www.readfortherecord.org.