JACKSON, Miss. – Free, family fun awaits children during Mississippi Public Broadcasting’s Summer Learning Family Fun Day set for 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. June 15 at the Jackson Convention Complex. “Let’s Cheer For Reading” is the event’s theme this year.
This will be the sixth year MPB has held this special event to highlight National Summer Learning Day initiatives to prevent academic loss among children while school is out. Research shows children lose about two months’ worth of reading and math skills during the summer if they don’t practice what they learned during the school year.
Last year, more than 2,000 children participated in MPB’s Summer Learning Family Fun Day. Access registration at mpbonline.org/summerlearning/.
“MPB is committed to raising awareness of summer learning loss as well as giving children and parents fun tools to combat the problem,” said Shelia Brown Robinson, MPB’s Director of Early Childhood. “The goal is to remind the community about the importance of school readiness and continuous summer learning in a fun way.”
Highlighting the event will be a friendly cheer competition among Jackson area cheer squads. Each squad has been asked to create an original cheer with a reading focus. Members of Jackson State University’s cheerleading squad as well as the JSU mascot will participate.
PBS and MPB characters, such as Ed Said, Curious George and Clifford the Big Red Dog will make special appearances. Other activities include15 interactive activity stations, pottery with clay artist, Harold Miller; storytelling, canvas drawing, face painting and much more. Each child will receive a free book.
Participating vendors include Blue Cross Blue Shield of Mississippi and the University of Mississippi Medical Center, which are both event sponsors. Other vendors include: Entergy Solutions, College Savings Mississippi, Little Gym of Jackson, Mississippi Smiles Dentistry, Mississippi Soil and Water Conservation, Parents and Kids Magazine, Snap Happy Face Painting, The Pediatric Dental Studio, UnitedHealthcare Community Plan of Mississippi, United States Census Bureau and United Way of The Capital Area.
A 30-second PSA is available here.
For more information on MPB visit, www.mpbonline.org. Find all MPB press releases here.
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Mississippi Public Broadcasting provides relevant instructional and public affairs programming to Mississippians through its statewide television and radio network. MPB enhances the work of educators, students, parents and learners of all ages by providing informative programming and educational resources. MPB’s locally produced programming focuses on the people, resources and attractions that reflect Mississippi’s unique culture and diverse heritage. Children’s television programs constitute a major portion of the daytime and weekend morning schedules. MPB provides a valuable resource to Mississippians in disseminating information as part of the state’s emergency preparedness and response system. Since 1970, MPB has won over 350 national, regional and statewide awards, including Emmy®, Edward R. Murrow and Parents’ Choice® Awards.
