Senator Flanagan Reads With St. James Students

John J. Flanagan

April 26, 2012

Senator John Flanagan (2nd Senate District) recently visited the St. James Elementary School to join Mr. Michael Klee’s 5th Grade Class in reading “Sybil Ludington’s Midnight Ride” by Marsha Amstel to the students.

The story, about the bravery of the 16-year old girl who in 1777 rode through the countryside upstate spreading the word of a British attack on Danbury, provided the students with a lesson regarding the great things that young people can do for their community and their country.  After reading the book, Senator Flanagan talked with the children about how the story related to them and to their potential.

During the visit, Senator Flanagan also provided the students with an overview of his role in the New York State Senate and took questions from them about his job.

"As a parent of three, I know how crucial my children’s teachers were in providing them with a real sense of the importance and enjoyment of reading.  It is a fundamental building block that will enhance the future educational success of all of these students and I appreciate being invited to share some time with Mr. Klee’s class.  I truly enjoyed the experience,” stated Senator Flanagan, who serves as the Chairman of the New York State Education Committee.