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Press Releases

***Media Alert***

National Study Shows Children’s Writing Skills
Still Need Significant Improvement
Experts Available to Discuss What Parents
Can Do to Combat Poor Writing Skills

July 10, 2003—According to a nationwide survey released today by the National Assessment of Educational Progress(1), 70% of the nation’s 8th graders are not proficient in writing, 26% of 12th graders have below basic writing skills and only 2% of the nation’s youth have advanced writing skills.

While tools that promote reading seem ever present, writing skills may be getting the short shrift. This is a significant issue that parents must address by working with their children to improve their writing skills. And summer is the perfect time for parents to get involved.

Etiquette experts and authors Peggy Post and Cindy Post Senning, Ed.D., co-authors of “The Gift of Good Manners: A Parent’s Guide to Raising Respectful, Kind, Considerate Children” (HarperReference, 2002, $24.95) are available to discuss what parents can do this summer to help their children beat the odds and learn to write.

Cindy Post states, “Writing is a life long skill that needs to be fostered from a young age and parental involvement is critical. But, if parents view writing as a chore, so will the child. It’s so important to make it fun.”

To help parents even more, The Post Institute has teamed up with online printing expert VistaPrint.com to provide parents with inspiring age appropriate, free, summer writing kits for children ages 6-18.

To schedule an interview with Peggy Post or Cindy Post Senning, please contact Mark McClennan of Schwartz Communications at 781-684-0770 or vistaprint@schwartz-pr.com.

About The Emily Post Institute
The Emily Post Institute was created by Emily Post in 1946 and is run today by third generation family members. The work of the Institute includes more than ten books on etiquette, business etiquette seminars, manners classes for children, monthly magazine columns in Good Housekeeping and Parents; Web content on WeddingChannel.com; and the Web site www.emilypost.com. The Posts conduct hundreds of speeches, seminars and media interviews annually and have appeared on programs including “Dr. Phil,” “Today,” “Live with Regis & Kelly,” “The View,” “Good Morning America,” “Oprah,” and “The Early Show.”

About VistaPrint
VistaPrint, the leading online printer, provides families and businesses with personalized, full-color printed products. The unique site enables anyone with Internet access to design completely customized invitations, thank you notes, post cards, return address labels, contact cards and more. By offering business and consumers personalized, full-color printing at the lowest prices, VistaPrint has provided printing services to more than 2.5 million customers. For more information, visit www.vistaprint.com.

1. From the National Assessment of Educational Progress 2003 Writing Report (http://nces.ed.gov/nationsreportcard/writing/results2002/)

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