Jerry Pinkney "Reading Rocks Our World," the kick- off of the Richland District One's focus on literacy, will be held Saturday, September 12, from 10 am to 2 pm. Crayton Middle School will be ground zero for reading excitement with games, national celebrities, per- formances, and freebies to celebrate the joy and importance of reading and other literacy skills. "Reading Rocks Our World" is free and open to all Richland One students, families, and communities.

Non- stop entertainment begins at 10 am with a literacy parade led by USC mascot Cocky, a host of celebrities, and storybook characters. After that, visitors can experience an amazing array of events and activities that include meeting local and national authors, karate demonstrations, puppet shows, magic acts, band performances, poetry slams and distribution of free books.

The list of celebrities attending include legendary author and illustrator Jerry Pinkney, WIS- TV News anchor Judi Gatson, Miss South Carolina Kelly Sloan, Miss Teen South Carolina Ali Rogers, author and poet L. Kobie Wilkerson, and actor and choreographer Darrin Henson.

But there's still much more including storytellers, double Dutch jump rope artists, health screenings, and registering for door prizes. Visitors can take advantage of interactive booths and exhibits. Free breakfast snacks will be available.

Families needing transportation should contact their school social worker in order to receive free bus vouchers to and from the event. Crayton Middle School is located at 5000 Clemson Avenue.

Although a fun- packed day is planned, the event has a very serious and important purpose: to promote reading and other literacy skills.

"If students do not read well, they will not think well and if they do not think well then others will do the thinking for them," said Deputy Superintendent Debra Brathwaite. "Literacy transcends all subject areas because literacy skills are needed to understand content in mathematics, science and social studies. Our primary goal is to help our students grow into literacy from pre- kindergarten through grade 12. Therefore, we will provide our students with authentic opportunities to read, write, listen, speak, view, think, and use technology by providing instruction that is high quality, rigorous, and engaging."

For additional information about Reading Rocks Our World, call Ida Thompson at 231-6803.