The Fresno Grizzlies are excited to announce the return of their developmental reading program, “Wild About Reading”, for the fifth year in a row.  The program, presented by Huntington Learning Center , aims to utilize the fun of the Grizzlies experience to emphasize the importance of reading throughout Valley schools.  Parker and the Grizzlies front office staff are scheduled for a three-month long school tour, which is set to begin on Monday, January 7 at Lincoln Elementary School in Fresno .

“This program has grown each and every year, rewarding more and more children for understanding the fun and importance of reading,” said Andrew Stuebner, Grizzlies Executive Vice President.  “We are proud to say that it has become one of the largest educational programs in minor league sports.”

The “Wild About Reading” program will run through mid-March and is anticipated to reach more than 60,000 students this year.  Parker will star in over 100 assemblies across the Central Valley, making stops at schools as far as Los Banos and Tulare .

Each assembly, a member of the Grizzlies front office reads Parker Goes to School, a book about the popular Grizzlies mascot and his struggle to fit in.  After Parker acts out the book, students are challenged to read 10 books within their grade level.  Each student completing 10 books will earn two free tickets to a designated Grizzlies game in 2008.  Complimentary bookmarks are provided by the Grizzlies and Huntington Learning Center to help students and teachers keep track of their reading accomplishments within the five-week reading time frame. 

 

For more information on Huntington Learning Center, CLICK HERE.