On Oct. 28, the District was honored to welcome Gov. Mike DeWine, First Lady Fran DeWine, and Ohio Department of Education and Workforce Director Stephen Dackin to Emerson Elementary as part of the governor's Literacy Leaders Tour celebrating Science of Reading Champion buildings. State Sen. Nickie Antonio also joined the group. Emerson is one of four of our elementary schools that earned the champion honor, along with Hayes, Lincoln, and Roosevelt. In addition, our district is only one of two in the state to have multiple buildings earn the designation.

Our distinguished visitors first took part in a great roundtable discussion with administrators, some Board members, and teachers about the positive impact of the Science of Reading on teachers and students. Afterward, Gov. DeWine and the First Lady were able to see our literacy instruction in action with a visit to several classrooms. Along the way, the First Lady even received a book from Emerson's book vending machine! We were proud to be able to show Gov. DeWine and Mrs. DeWine the literacy work of our amazing teachers and how our students are benefitting!