Mayor Barrett, Chief Flynn help get kids to hit the books: "You can see the future sitting before you"
MILWAUKEE -- On Monday, August 1st, Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett and Milwaukee Police Chief Ed Flynn helped make sure students in Milwaukee will be ready to learn starting on their first day back to school -- ahead of the start of a new school year.
Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett reads to children
In a place known for Happy Meals, there was plenty to be happy about on a Monday morning.
The kids at one McDonald's location had treats to eat, books to read and a couple of notable guests on hand.
"They always have a lot of enthusiasm. You never know what to expect. And it's just great. You can see the future sitting before you," said Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett.
"It's a nice break from the normal Monday morning for a police chief," said Milwaukee Police Chief Ed Flynn.
Barrett and Flynn took a break from their routines to read to students from the Milwaukee Christian Center. The event kicked off two separate initiatives run by SHARP Literacy to keep kids engaged during the summer months.
Kids take part in summer reading program
"It's really important for them to keep reading. They'll have much more success in the school year for '16-'17," said Lynda Kohler, president of SHARP Literacy.
Kids of all ages can pick up books from any of the McDonald's locations in the City of Milwaukee -- and keep them. Any child who signs a pledge to read at least one more book before school starts will receive a healthy treat at 125 McDonald's locations throughout southeast Wisconsin.
"As the economy changes, education becomes even more important," Barrett said. "I think the earlier you can reinforce the positive reasons to stay in school, the better off we are as a community."
Milwaukee Police Chief Ed Flynn takes time to read to children
It's a program as meaningful to the students as it was for their new friends.
"I highly recommend anybody on a Monday morning, go find a group of kids to read to and you'll feel better about the rest of the day," Flynn said.
In 2015, SHARP Literacy gave away around 4,500 books in a three-week period. Organizers hope to top that this month with a goal closer to 6,000 to 7,000.
