Educator Leslee Milch, left, received an award from CA State Senator Josh Newman for her dedication to her summer reading program. He named the teacher his “Citizen of the Month” for July, 2023 Photo credit: CA Senator Josh Newman

Very often dedicated educators who work tirelessly in the classrooms all year round continue to devote themselves to students, even on their summer break. This is certainly true of Leslee Milch, a kindergarten teacher from California who founded a summer reading program 25 years ago, and still dedicates her entire summer break to the enterprise. For her effort, she has been named a “Citizen of the Month” by CA Senator Josh Newman.

Leslee, a National Board Certified teacher, works Gilbert Elementary School in the Buena Park School District in Buena Park, California. Throughout her more than 30 years as an educator, she has consistently demonstrated a passion for fostering essential academic and social skills in her kindergarten students. Every day in the classroom where she often reads to and with her students, Leslee places a special emphasis on literacy.

One day 25 years ago, Leslee was inspired to continue her work beyond the end of the school year and help decrease learning loss during the summer. To further this goal, she established the “Read to Me” summer reading program. She began by meeting with students at George Bellis Park in Buena Park each week to read a story together and share a healthy snack. Since that first year, she has continued the program, so much so that “Read to Me” has become a well-known and cherished community institution. She started by reading to just ten students. Now, hundreds of students and their parents enjoy the free program each week.

For her efforts in the “Read to Me” program, Leslee has been named a “Citizen of the Month” for July, 2023, from California State Senator Josh Newman. Senator Newman represents the 29th Senate District.

To learn more about the “Read to Me” program, click on this link to Education News.