Madison Reporter

Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers participated in Literacy Week at Sunset Ridge Elementary School, reading to third and fourth-grade students. The visit was part of the school's efforts to emphasize the importance of reading.

“It was an honor to have Governor Evers visit Sunset Ridge to help us emphasize the importance of reading with our students,” said Principal Brett Wilfrid. “As a former teacher and principal, Governor Evers knows how to connect and engage with students. Developing strong readers is a significant focus at our school and throughout our District, and it means a lot to have his support of our efforts to strengthen students’ literacy skills.”

Governor Evers declared 2025 as the “Year of the Kid” in his State of the State address, promising more investments in K-12 education. During his visit, he read "Gust" by Katie Meyer to third graders and "Why Not You?" by Ciara and Russell Wilson to fourth graders. Afterward, he engaged with students by answering their questions. State Representatives Mike Bare and Alex Joers also attended the event.

Chris Rago, a third-grade teacher at Sunset Ridge Elementary School, described other activities during Literacy Week, including their Read-O tradition. “We have an all-school assembly at the end of the week and finish Friday with Read-O – literacy bingo – over the loudspeaker,” Rago said. “Once kids get a Read-O, they run in a loop in the hallway and outside yelling ‘Read-O’ until they get back to their classroom.” He noted that Read-O is popular among students.

The week began with Drop Everything and Read on Monday morning. Other activities included teacher swaps for classroom readings and guest readers from the community. Students and families also participated in Rise and Shine Reading sessions.

Thank you were extended to Gov. Evers, Rep. Bare, Rep. Joers, Sunset Ridge staff, families, and community members for promoting literacy.