PS 83 Campers Participate in Knicks Summer Reading Event

Optimum Community partnered with Madison Square Garden and the New York Knicks to bring a summer reading event to over 60 students attending summer camp at PS 83 in the Bronx. NY State Assemblyman Mark Gjonaj participated in the event along with NY Knicks Alumnus John Starks. After opening remarks, Assemblyman Gjonaj and John Starks spoke to the students about the importance of literacy and reading over the summer. They read aloud from “Salt in His Shoes”, a children’s book by Deloris Jordan. Following the reading, the children took part in an interactive quiz about the book and participated in a raffle and autograph session.

“Studies have shown that children who do not read over the summer tend to lose literacy skills, while those who do, improve their reading ability and comprehension,” said Assemblyman Gjonaj. “Since summer learning losses can accumulate over the years and are a contributor to the achievement gap, programs like Optimum Community’s Knicks Read to Achieve are so important. I thank Optimum Community, the Knicks and Madison Square Garden for bringing this program to children the Bronx.”