NMPED partners with McDonald’s to encourage reading in Roswell

ROSWELL, N.M. — The New Mexico Public Education Department is trying to get children to pick up more books.

“Our main mission is traveling, meeting schools and talking to students about the importance of learning how to read and write,” said Severo Martinez, a NMPED Literacy and Humanities director.

Martinez says he wrote a book called “This is New Mexico.”

“I wanted a book where students would see themselves represented, and see the beautiful landscapes that make up New Mexico. Because, in addition to being able to read and write, we want students across New Mexico to have pride in where they come from, and be proud of New Mexicans,” said Martinez.

The book features Roswell’s UFO-shaped McDonald.

NMPED partnered with a local McDonald’s operator to give out books and a reading incentive bookmark to 74 schools across the state.

“We were able to pitch in and buy 30,000 of these books to be made to be distributed across New Mexico,” said Nic Snowberger, owner and operator of the Roswell McDonald’s franchises.

Snowberger says he was honored to be incorporated in the book.

“First of all, I was very humbled. To be used in a way where, you know, we could promote literacy through our infrastructure and through the uniqueness of the UFO McDonald’s was very, very cool to hear,” said Snowberger.

Through the program, students who get an incentive bookmark, and read 10 books will get a free Happy Meal.