Teacher Janet Anderson and her 3rd-grade students at Elliott Ranch Elementary School in Elk Grove welcomed a pair of special visitors on February 5. Sacramento Kings forward John Salmons and guard Quincy Douby stopped by to honor Mrs. Anderson as one of two Sacramento County Teachers of the Year 2009 and to promote the joys of education.
In conjunction with the Kings' "Read Read to Achieve" program, the players read to the students and presented them with free books. Reaching an estimated 50 million children annually, the year-round Read to Achieve campaign is the most extensive educational outreach initiative in the history of professional sports. The program is designed to help young people develop a life-long love for reading and encourage adults to read regularly with children.
In addition to reading to the students, both Salmons and Douby shared their recollections of school and reminded the children to appreciate education and to value the lessons they are being taught. Each child posed for a picture with the players and took home an autographed tote bag filled with gifts from the Kings organization.
For more than 15 years, the Sacramento Kings have helped recognize district and county Teachers of the Year. District and County Teachers of the Year 2009 in Sacramento County will be honored on February 6, 2009, at the Sacramento Kings vs. Utaz Jazz game at ARCO Arena.
On January 8th, Kings Donte Greene and Bobby Brown visited teacher Sylvia Rodriguez and her 5th-grade G.A.T.E. (Gifted and Talented Education) students at Phoebe Hearst Elementary in Sacramento. Ms. Rodriguez is Sacramento County's other 2009 Teacher of the Year.
The Sacramento County Teachers of the Year program is presented by SCOE in partnership with Maloof Sports and Entertainment, Intel-Folsom and the
Sacramento Scottish Rite Bodies of Freemasonry.
Information about the Sacramento County Teachers of the Year Program is available online or by phoning the Sacramento County Office of Education at (916) 228-2417.