Second lady's 2025 reading challenge targets declining reading scores among students
America's second lady Usha Vance has announced the "Summer Reading Challenge," encouraging children across the country to open up a book this summer.
"Adventure, imagination, and discovery await – right between the pages of a book," writes the second lady in a letter.
"We are excited to invite all children (K-8) to participate in the Second Lady's 2025 Summer Reading Challenge," the letter continues.
Second Lady Usha Vance On Mother's Day And What She Strives For As A Mom
Children are encouraged to read 12 books of their choice between June 1 and Sept. 5 — and track their progress through a reading log issued by the White House.
Nicole Reeves, communications director for the second lady, told Fox News Digital that Ms. Vance is very excited to announce this project in the hope of engaging young readers throughout the summer.
Read On The Fox News App
"It is essential that we encourage our youth to continue learning outside of the classroom, and this challenge provides an excellent opportunity to do so," Reeves added.
In the log of their progress, students must list the book titles and author, the date they finished reading the books, and a brief reflection about the favorite book they read.
For more Lifestyle articles, visit foxnews.com/lifestyle
The National Center for Education Statistics found in a 2022 report that the average reading scores among 9-year-old students declined five points compared to 2020, marking the largest average score decline in reading since 1990.
Approximately 40% of U.S. students cannot read at a basic level, according to the National Literacy Institute.
It was also found that almost 70% of low-income fourth grade students cannot read at a basic level.
Click Here To Sign Up For Our Lifestyle Newsletter
The institute also found that "struggling readers" suffer both socially and emotionally.
Reading promotes positive mental health outcomes, helping reduce stress and anxiety, according to the Baylor College of Medicine (BCM).
Children who complete the Second Lady's 2025 Summer Reading Challenge will receive a personalized certificate and a small prize.
They will also be entered in a drawing for a chance to visit Washington, D.C., with a chaperone.Original article source: Second lady's 2025 reading challenge targets declining reading scores among students
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Yahoo
6 Ways To Reach the Upper-Middle Class in 2025
Many fear the middle class is essentially disappearing, which is why it's good to know the perimeters of this economic status and how to navigate them. You may assume that American upper-middle-class households are comprised of people earning the exact same income, and if you just reach that set number, you too will become an elite member of this economic class. Consider This: Learn More: The median household income for the upper middle class in the United States is between $106,092 and $149,160. The Pew Research Center analysis estimates that lower-income households had incomes less than $56,600, and upper-income households had incomes greater than $169,800. Though the income needed will vary by location, if you are striving to become part of the American upper-middle class, then you need to check your earning potential along with your social class. To reach the status of an upper-middle-class individual, here are six key signs you've earned your way there. The foundation of wealth building within the American class structure lies in maximizing not only your paycheck but also increasing where you earn income. Relying on a single source of income is risky; to bring in more passive income, consider starting a side hustle. The gig economy is abundant with flexible and lucrative opportunities including everything from delivery drivers to freelance graphic designers. Diversifying income streams to boost your class can include other areas such as investing in real estate or the stock market. By spreading your income sources, you increase your earning potential and reduce financial risk, making it easier to accumulate wealth over time and join the upper-middle-income households. Find Out: Upper-middle-class Americans don't just stash their cash in a mattress or even a basic savings account because they know investing is the way to preserve their wealth against inflation and economic shifts. The key to successful investing is consistency and a well-researched strategy. Investing a portion of your income can significantly impact your wealth accumulation. You can seek the help of a financial advisor or embrace technologies and platforms that allow for automated investments to ensure consistency. Though where you put your money will depend on your risk tolerance, here are a wide variety of the best investments to consider in 2025: Nasdaq-100 index funds S&P 500 index funds REIT index funds Rental housing High-yield savings accounts Long-term CDs Dividend stock funds Value stock funds Small-cap stock funds Increasing your educational attainment and enhancing your skillsets can dramatically increase your income potential. Though it does take an initial upfront cost, investing in yourself is always money well spent. The terms middle class or upper-middle class often apply to top earners who have invested in their training and education and are now reaping the benefits of impressive paychecks. High-demand skills and education levels not only command higher salaries but also offer greater job security. Consider certifications, online courses or advanced degrees in fields experiencing growth. Continuous learning and adapting are imperative in a changing job market because you are your best asset and long-term investment. In order to reach the top income quintile, you first need to live below your means. However, this doesn't require sacrificing the quality of life, as it's more about making better-informed spending decisions. Prioritizing good savings habits over immediate gratification can accelerate your wealth-building journey in 2025. Create a budget that aligns with your financial goals and stick to it. This is an achievable financial goal, and you can start by cutting unnecessary expenses and opting for cost-effective alternatives. This can free up significant amounts of money to be directed toward future funds like retirement accounts or buying a house. Effective debt management is integral to achieving financial freedom. Strategically paying off debts today will only improve your tomorrow. High-interest debt, particularly from credit cards, can hinder your wealth-building efforts as it's hard to reach the upper middle class when you are digging yourself out of a financial hole. You can try debt settlement, consolidation loans or even credit counseling with financial experts. Long-term financial planning, including retirement and estate planning, is essential, and it can't be done overnight. Many people underestimate the amount they will need in retirement as well as how long it will take to earn and save the ever-growing recommended minimum amount. Start contributing to retirement accounts early, so you can take advantage of compounding interest and employer matches. Furthermore, estate planning ensures that your wealth is distributed according to your wishes, providing security for your loved ones. The bottom line is that reaching the upper-middle class requires a combination of disciplined saving, smart investing, continuous learning, prudent spending and strategic planning — all while navigating the projected economic volatility of 2025. This may sound financially farfetched, but by adopting these methods, you can set a solid foundation for financial growth. More From GOBankingRates Surprising Items People Are Stocking Up On Before Tariff Pains Hit: Is It Smart? 7 Things You'll Be Happy You Downsized in Retirement This article originally appeared on 6 Ways To Reach the Upper-Middle Class in 2025 Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Yahoo
2 hours ago
- Yahoo
‘Handbags & Backpacks for Hope' campaign starts in Travis County
Content Warning: This article discusses domestic violence and sexual assault. If you are in distress and need someone to talk to, please call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 or text 'Start' to 88788, or call the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-4673. AUSTIN (KXAN) — The Travis County Sheriff's Office and nonprofit Texas Advocacy Project (TAP) announced their 2025 'Handbags & Backpacks for Hope' campaign at a Monday press conference, during which they will collect bags to put 'life-saving information in the hands of survivors across Texas.' The campaign will take new bags, specifically purses, tote bags, diaper bags, and backpacks, at drop off points shown below. TAP's focus is on supporting survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, child abuse, stalking and human trafficking, according to its mission statement. The nonprofit has been active since the 1980s. The nonprofit's CEO Heather Bellino said this year's campaign is the first time TAP has tried to merge its Handbags for Hope and Backpacks for Hope campaigns. 'Many years, we'd get more handbags and less backpacks, but we think if the call to action as elevated and louder, then the community will come together and make sure that we are supplying these very important bags to the people who need them the most,' she said. 'This campaign started at the very beginning of my career, and I have seen it grow and blossom, and it means the world to me, because it says that the community is here in support of victims,' Bellino said. 'We're no longer keeping this hidden … we, as a community, are saying this abuse is not acceptable in our backyard.' Travis County Sheriff Sally Hernandez and Travis County Precinct 5 Constable Carlos Lopez also spoke at the Monday press conference. 'We make amplifying the voice of victims a high priority here when it comes to domestic violence and abuse … we want to provide them all of the resources and all the help that we can possibly provide them,' Hernandez said. 'Oftentimes, a survivor of abuse doesn't often get out of that situation quickly, but when they do … they're going to grab whatever.' Bill named for UT Austin student passes, closes sexual assault loophole 'Domestic violence is an epidemic. The Texas Advocacy Project has been so innovative in coming up with ideas on how we can help the victims escape, because many times they don't have ample time to gather everything that they need,' Lopez said. 'Inside the [bag] is pertinent information that they need when they do escape. When we started all this, the children would give the purses to their mothers on Mother's Day.' Lopez said he believed the campaign could gather at least 5,000 bags. The campaign ends June 28. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Eater
3 hours ago
- Eater
Queens Thai Chicken-and-Rice Favorite Is Expanding to Manhattan
A Queens restaurant known for its Thai take on the Hainanese chicken and rice (khao man gai) is making its way into Manhattan. Eim Khao Mun Kai will be opening in the East Village on 129 Second Avenue, near St. Marks Place, as reported by EV Grieve. There doesn't seem to be an opening date yet; its Instagram notes that it'll keep expanding with 'more coming soon.' Eater has reached out for more information. Owner Krianganan Rawiophap opened the restaurant in Elmhurst in 2014. Chef Srivaset Sajchaacharamontri's khao man gai features chicken poached in a gingery broth and served with ginger rice and cucumbers. This impending Manhattan location took over the space formerly home to ramen restaurant Misoya, which closed in April. Hamptons lobster pops up in NYC Hamptons seafood restaurant Lunch Lobster Roll is in the middle of a summer pop-up at Tribeca steakhouse American Cut. The seasonal menu includes the happy hour special of two miniature lobster rolls, truffle fries or a Caesar salad, and a martini for $28, plus the regular lobster roll at dinnertime It'll run through the end of the summer. Fun cocktail pop-up alert Fresh off its S&P Luncheonette residency, exciting weekend cocktail event A Pop-Up Called Pancakes is venturing into Brooklyn for its next pop-up. Co-founders Izzy Tulloch and Danielle De Block will serve drinks, plus the Instagram post promises pancakes. It takes place on Sunday, June 8, at the Long Island Bar from 9 p.m. to midnight. It's a kick-off to the international drinks trade show Bar Convent Brooklyn, which takes place from Tuesday, June 10 to Wednesday, June 11. Sign up for our newsletter.
