Lt. Gov. Kottkamp helps students celebrate reading
Florida’s lieutenant governor, Jeff Kottkamp, helped students celebrate reading at Dr. Carrie D. Robinson Littleton Elementary for its annual Accelerated Reading Program Day Friday.
Kottkamp read the Dr. Suess book “Oh, the Places You’ll Go!” at a school assembly, talked about his own passion for reading, and answered a lot of questions from students.
“Our reading theme for this year is Reading is the Passport to the World,” said principal Monica Broughton, adding the annual event, a day of fun with food and games for the students, is one of her favorite days of the year.
“The passport theme and the Dr. Suess book are about traveling the world, and reading can take you many, many places,” she said.
Kottkamp, a North Fort Myers High School graduate while a Cape resident, told the students he read a lot in school and enjoys it through today.
“I really like to read. Keep reading, even when school is out,” Kottkamp told the students. “Reading is the way to build on everything you know.
After reading the book, he answered student questions. They included his favorite books (autobiographies and One Fish Two Fish), if he liked kids (he talked about his son Jackson, his dog and his family) and many about his job.
He told students he helps the governor, and talked about some of the things he does.
“One of the favorite parts of my job is being chairman of the Children’s Cabinet. It’s all about kids, we focus on you,” Kottkamp said.
Lee County School Board member Robert D. Chilmonik attended the event, and said he enjoys Kottkamp’s frequent visits to local schools.
“The lieutenant governor has been a very strong supporter of education in Lee County, and has made many, many visits to area schools,” Chilmonik said. “I think that’s wonderful. The children are excited, and so am I.“
Administrator of Elementary School Operations Dr. Ruthie Lohmeyer also talked to the students.
“Today is all about reading and celebration. Reading is at the core of everything students do in order to succeed,” she said.
She commended area teachers on making reading exciting.
“It’s what motivates kids, encourages them and it’s important to celebrate the successes.“
Broughton said her students did extremely well in meeting their goals this year, and the day of fun was a reward. The school also had fun food, performances by its dance team, the Lariats and Lace, and activities such as blow-up slides, an obstacle course and “Silly Sports and Goofy Games.”