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Governor announces $32.8 million
in federal grants for K-3 reading

[SEPT. 10, 2002]  CHICAGO — Gov. George Ryan announced Friday that the federal Department of Education will award the state of Illinois nearly $33 million in grants to help schools and school districts improve children’s reading achievement at the K-3 levels as well as to fund professional development programs for educators.

This funding, awarded by U.S. Secretary of Education Rod Paige, is the first part of a multiyear Reading First grant designed to implement scientifically proven methods of instruction to help improve the reading achievement levels of children. Reading First was passed by Congress under the “No Child Left Behind Act” of 2001.

“We all know that the ability to read proficiently is a basic skill everyone should have. This starts with children at the youngest age,” Gov. Ryan said. “Lura Lynn and I have always believed in this idea through the Illinois Reads program and Futures for Kids. This grant will help brighten the futures of Illinois’ most needy children.”

The Illinois State Board of Education has identified 54 school districts, based on poverty level and test scores, that are eligible to receive portions of the Reading First grant. The geographic spread of eligible school districts ranges from the Chicago Public Schools to the Rock Island School District to school districts at the southern tip of Illinois.

School districts that receive grant funding will use the monies to purchase materials and provide assessments that have been scientifically researched and proven by the National Reading Panel to raise children’s reading achievement by teaching fundamental skills children need to learn to read proficiently.

[Illinois Government News Network
press release]

lllinois Early Learning Project on the Web

The site offers printable "Tip Sheets" for caregivers and parents, "Frequently Asked Questions" (and their responses), a statewide calendar of events for parents and caregivers, an easy-to-use database of links to the best of the Web on topics of high interest, and online chats.

The site became publicly accessible in November 2001.

[News release]

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(Milk served with all meals)

Friday, Oct. 4 — Cereal, toast with peanut butter, juice

Monday, Oct. 7 — Cereal, pop tart, juice

Tuesday, Oct. 8 — Silver dollar pancakes with syrup, sausage link, fruit

Wednesday, Oct. 9 — Cereal, toast with jelly, juice

Thursday, Oct. 10 — Apple slices with peanut butter, toast

Friday, Oct. 11 — Cereal, cinnamon toast, juice

Monday, Oct. 14 — Columbus Day; no school

Tuesday, Oct. 15 — Cereal, cinnamon toast, juice

Wednesday, Oct. 16 — Cereal, graham crackers, juice

Thursday, Oct. 17 — Oatmeal, toast, fruit

Friday, Oct. 18 — Cereal, toast with jelly, juice

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(Milk served with all meals)

Friday, Oct. 4 — Chili with crackers, peanut butter sandwich, dill spear, cheese stick, cherry crisp

Monday, Oct. 7 — Chicken strips with sauce, green beans, bread and butter, fruit cocktail

Tuesday, Oct. 8 — Hamburger horseshoe with cheese and french fries, carrot sticks, peaches

Wednesday, Oct. 9 — Sausage pizza, peas, pudding, pears

Thursday, Oct. 10 — Ravioli with meat sauce, whipped potatoes, bread and butter, mixed vegetables

Friday, Oct. 11 — Barbecued chicken sandwich, hash brown, crispy rice treat, strawberry applesauce

Monday, Oct. 14 — Columbus Day; no school

Tuesday, Oct. 15 — Shrimp shapes with sauce, mashed potatoes, Trix yogurt, green beans

Wednesday, Oct. 16 — Chicken and biscuit, peas, carrot sticks, pears

Thursday, Oct. 17 — Sloppy joes, cole slaw, french fries, orange juice

Friday, Oct. 18 — Pancakes with syrup, potato rounds, sausage links, sliced apples cooked with cinnamon

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Thursday, Oct. 31 — Beef and noodles, salad, green beans, mixed fruit

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