SACO — Students, teachers, school board members and other elected officials have all been challenged to open a book and read aloud to a child.

Acting Commissioner of Education A. Pender Makin launched the state-wide, month-long, literacy program at Young School on Monday morning, which serves students from kindergarten to second grade in Saco.

Participants in the Read to ME Challenge read to a child for 15 minutes and capture the experience in a short video or photo. Post the photo with #ReadtoME or #ReadaloudME on social media and challenge others to do the same.

“We are so excited because the whole state of Maine is waiting right now for Young School to kick off the Read to ME Challenge,” said Makin to students at a school-wide assembly.

Makin read the book “A Camping Spree with Mr. Magee” by Maine author and illustrator Chris Van Dusen, and the event was streamed live on the Department of Education’s website so schools across the state could watch the launch of the challenge.

When she finished the book, Makin then began challenging others to read.

“All the big kids in the room, read to a little kid,” she said. She also challenged Van Dusen, the author of the book she just read, as well as educators, literacy specialists, school administrators, the school board and other local elected officials, including U.S. Senators Angus King and Susan Collins, librarians and Governor Janet Mills.

Principal Peter Harrison said the Young School was proud to host Makin, who grew up in Saco and whose mother once worked at the school. Makin was granted a parking space near the entrance of the school with a sign made by students. She also participated with students in an activity during a morning meeting and went on a tour of the school led by Harrison.

Makin also visited Saco Middle School and Old Orchard Beach High School.

At Old Orchard Beach High School, she had lunch with a group of students and discussed various topics on education including the benefits of going to a small high school. Makin encouraged the students to join in on the Read to ME Challenge.

— Liz Gotthelf can be reached at 780-9015 or by email at [email protected].