For Immediate Release

Gayle Jackson, President, of the DeSean Jackson Foundation, and mother of Washington Redskins’ wide receiver DeSean Jackson, and NFL Moms in LA, completed their 2015 Read Across America campaign at 186th Street Elementary School in Los Angeles where Principal Marcia Sidney-Reed and the entire student population welcomed the “Moms” in grand style.  Mrs. Jackson was humbled and honored by the display of Washington Redskins’ signs and jerseys; and, took advantage of the opportunity to engage the students in a “mock Washington Redskins’ pep rally” and chant for quarterback, RG III.

 The 186th Street Elementary School students, staff, and parents enjoyed a Reading Pajama Party to celebrate Dr. Seuss’ birthday on Friday, March 6, 2015 with a reading celebration and a movie.  Back to read and promote literacy, by popular demand, were our NFL football moms from the Western Region of the Professional Football Players Mothers Association (PFPMA). Gayle Jackson, the President, of the DeSean Jackson Foundation, mother of Washington Redskins wide receiver DeSean Jackson who also was representing WOW, the official Washington Redskins’ female fan club over 100,000 strong, donated her son’s children’s book entitled, No Bullies in the Huddle written with Dr. William T. Hoston and illustrated by Charlie Neerman to the Wise Owl Nation.  Gayle Jackson shared that the book deals with bullying awareness and how students can deal with this problem. LaTonya Scandrick, mother of Orlando Scandrick from the Dallas Cowboys, brought Orlando’s five year old twin daughters to join in the fun; DeSean’s aunt, Hattie Davis, supported the reading party, too.  This is the fourth year the NFL moms have come to read to the little owls.

Students were able to enjoy a choice of stories read by students, teachers, and the NFL moms in different rooms with themes to promote a college-going culture at the beginning of the event.  The students heard fairytales in the USC Trojans’ Arena, animal stories in the UCLA Bruins’ Den, stories of peace to share an appreciation for diversity in the LMU Lions’ Lair, and story time with Dr. Seuss in the Arts Academy with the NFL moms.  After the students finished listening to the stories, they received a free book to increase their pleasure reading libraries at home and support the academic play of reading 15-30 minutes every evening called by Principal Reed. The play is called Operation R.E.E.D. (Read Every Evening Diligently).

The highlight of the evening was having the children bring their sleeping bags into the auditorium, sit on the floor with their friends, and culminate the Reading Pajama Party with popcorn and watching Disney’s movie Big Hero 6.  The room was filled with excited children and supportive parents.  The sight of students and parents enjoying an evening of quality entertainment and family fun time made the event a great success of Reading Across America.

Marcia Sidney-Reed , Principal, 186th Street Elementary School

Thank You, 186th Street Elementary from NFL Moms and their sons.

Poised, Passion and Purpose – Gayle Jackson, Washington Redskins’ NFL Mom 

Orlando Scandrick’s Mom, and Orlando’s Twins

ABOUT 186TH STREET ELEMENTARY SCHOOL:

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186th Street Elementary School is a public school in Los Angeles, California. It has 820 students in grades K-5 with a Student/Teacher ration of 23:1. According to state standards, 71% of students at this school are considered proficient in math and/or reading; 75% of the student population receives free or reduced meals; 29.9% are English language learners; 69.3% of the students are Latino; 15.5% are Black; 11.6% are Asian; 3.3% are White.

For Additional Information about 186th Street Elementary School, please contact:

Marcia Sidney-Reed
Principal
186th Street Elementary School

A California Distinguished School
1581 W. 186th Street
Gardena, CA 90248
(310) 324-1153
www.186streetschool.com