Santa Fe Standard

Margaret Cage, the Deputy Cabinet Secretary of Special Education for the New Mexico Public Education Department, visited Amy Biehl Community School on Wednesday afternoon to join in the celebration of Read Across America Day with Sheridan Preuss's kindergarten and first-grade class.

Read Across America Day is an annual event aimed at encouraging students to celebrate reading and recognize the importance of literacy. Cage participated by reading "Festival of Colors," a children's book that describes the Holi festival. The book captivated students with its vibrant illustrations and imparted lessons about diversity and cultural traditions.

To enhance the day's celebrations, Cage distributed bags containing books, STEM challenge puzzles, and other items from her office. These gifts were well-received by the young learners, sparking joy and curiosity as they left with new materials to support their educational journeys.

"Deputy Cabinet Secretary Margaret Cage's visit was a memorable experience for our students to connect with a leader in education, helping them not only appreciate the magic of books but also understand the value of lifelong learning in a fun and meaningful way," said Jessica Garcia, Principal of Amy Biehl Community School. "We were thrilled to have Margaret with us and to see her interact so warmly with our youngest learners in celebration of reading."