DOINews: DOI Educational Partnerships Program: Internal Communications Director in the Reading Spotlight

	Nancy Monroe, director, Internal Communications, Immediate Office of the Secretary, reads to second-grade students at Ross Elementary School. Photo by Brenda Woods, DOI.

On April 24, Nancy Monroe, director, Internal Communications, Immediate Office of the Secretary, was a guest reader as part of the Department of the Interior's Reading Program at Ross Elementary School. Monroe read to 22 second-grade students the book titled, "Froggy Plays in the Band," by author Jonathan London. When Monroe posed a question to the students, to share the type of instrument that they played, the students eagerly raised their hands, shouting out the instrument. Monroe attended the school from pre-kindergarten through first grade. The students were enthusiastic to ask her questions about her experience at the school, including if the playground was paved and had swings.

"It was a heartwarming experience to visit the Ross Elementary School and reading to the terrific second-grade class," Monroe said. "As a former student at Ross, it was great to see that reading and creativity are still an important part of the curriculum. The students were obviously bright and eager readers."

The Department of the Interior has an ongoing Reading Program where DOI employees read to students at the DOI partner schools throughout the academic school year. The focus of the program is to motivate children to read. The schools include C. Melvin Sharpe Health School, Ross Elementary School, and School Without Walls at Francis Stevens Campus. The schools serve students from pre-kindergarten through eighth grade.

For additional information about the Reading Program and volunteer opportunities, contact Brenda Woods at (202) 208-3617 or via e-mail at Brenda_Woods@ios.doi.gov.

By: Brenda Woods, program manager, Educational Partnerships Program, OS, DOI
May 6, 2014