UNL Chancellor Perlman to visit South Sioux City

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Chancellor Harvey Perlman will travel to the South Sioux City area for a community visit Sept. 14 as part of an ongoing effort to meet with community members to discuss university issues and hear the views of area citizens about the university and how it can best serve its "500-mile campus."

A main focus of Perlman's visit will a stop at South Sioux City Community Schools for a first-hand look at the new "Portals to Reading" program, developed by University of Nebraska-Lincoln education researchers and educators from South Sioux City Community Schools. The program aims to give every child a good start by teaching essential early reading skills.

A $2.6 million grant from the U.S. Department of Education Early Reading First program funds the project, called "Portales a Aprender Leer" (Portals to Reading), in five South Sioux City preschools serving predominantly Spanish-speaking children and their families. The project, announced Aug. 27, is a partnership between UNL and the South Sioux City Community Schools.

Accompanying the chancellor will be Michelle Waite, assistant to the chancellor for community relations, and Meg Lauerman, director of University Communications.

CONTACTS: Meg Lauerman, Director, University Communications, (402) 472-0088 (or cellular during visits, 402-540-9242); and
Steve Rector, Superintendent, South Sioux City Community Schools, (402) 494-2425