New York, NY (October 18, 2005) -- Scholastic Media (SM), a leader in children’s entertainment, announced today that CEC Entertainment, Inc., operator of Chuck E. Cheese’s restaurants, has signed on to underwrite the popular television series Maya & Miguel.   First launched in October 2004 on PBS KIDS GO!, Maya & Miguel is another breakout hit animated series for SM,  and is celebrating a triumphant first year filled with top ratings and awards.  The agreement with Chuck E. Cheese’s extends SM’s relationship with the restaurant corporation, which has served as an underwriter for Clifford The Big Red Dog® since 2001.
 
“In just one year, Maya & Miguel has earned top ratings, prestigious awards and now our first underwriter – all highlighting the remarkable momentum of the series,” stated Leslye Schaefer, SVP of Marketing and Consumer Products for Scholastic Media. “The show has found its way into the hearts of children and parents alike, and we are delighted to continue our partnership with Chuck E. Cheese’s.”
 
“We are proud to provide underwriting support to Maya & Miguel - a high-quality animated program for kids promoting themes of cultural diversity and acceptance,” said Dick Huston, Executive VP of Marketing for Chuck E. Cheese’s.  “Furthermore we are pleased to join the producers at Scholastic Media and the broadcasters at PBS in their efforts to pay special attention to the Latino community via this unique program.”
 
As part of the agreement Chuck E. Cheese’s will be featured in a 15-second message before and after Maya & Miguel episodes enabling the company to reach its target demographic of mothers and kids.  Reaching nearly 2 million kids age 6-11 each week, the distinctive animated TV series is the centerpiece of a broad-based multi-media initiative from Scholastic.
 
Maya & Miguel made a stellar debut in fall 2004, quickly becoming the # 1 new show on PBS KIDS GO! and establishing an immediate and powerful connection with its audience. To date, the Maya & Miguel website at pbskidsgo.org/mayaandmiguel has received over 160 million page views, over 180,000 emails from kids and parents, and over 400,000 average daily users. Based on an original concept by Scholastic Media President Deborah Forte, the series is designed to present culture and language learning as fun, relevant, and rewarding for all children, with a special emphasis on the Latino population. The goals of the series are: (1) to promote the value of a culturally diverse society; and (2) to support English language learners through the presentation of language in a natural context with a special emphasis on vocabulary. Maya & Miguel is a broad-based Scholastic initiative comprised of television; print media; school and community outreach; dynamic Web sites at pbskidsgo.org/mayaandmiguel as well as scholastic.com; publishing; and a host of ancillary products including apparel and accessories, and home video and DVD.
 
About Chuck E Cheese’s
CEC Entertainment, Inc. operates a system of 508 Chuck E. Cheese's restaurants in 48 states--463 of the stores are owned and operated by the Company.  The Chuck E. Cheese’s pizza concept has been in operation since May of 1977 when the first restaurant opened in San Jose, California.  Chuck E. Cheese’s offers games and rides for kids of all ages and an animated stage show starring Chuck E. and his musical friends.   Chuck E. Cheese’s,  “where a kid can be a kid”, is also a special place for families.  The menu features homemade pizza with fresh, high quality ingredients, sandwiches, bread sticks, and a salad bar. The restaurants are also a popular location for birthday parties and special events for groups and organizations.  Fundraising is also available for pre-kindergarten and elementary schools during a scheduled weeknight event.  Learn more at www.chuckeschool.com.
 
About Scholastic Media
Scholastic Media (SM) is the entertainment and media division of Scholastic Inc., the global children's publishing and media company. A proven leader and innovator in the children's entertainment landscape and award-winning licensor and marketer of children's properties worldwide, SM ranks as one of the foremost producers of quality, family-oriented content for all platforms including television programming, feature films, home entertainment, interactive, and the Internet.

About Scholastic
Scholastic Corporation (NASDAQ: SCHL) is the world's largest publisher and distributor of children's books and a leader in educational technology.  Scholastic creates quality educational and entertaining materials and products for use in school and at home, including children's books, magazines, technology-based products, teacher materials, television programming, film, videos and toys.  The Company distributes its products and services through a variety of channels, including proprietary school-based book clubs, school-based book fairs, and school-based and direct-to-home continuity programs; retail stores, schools, libraries and television networks; and the Company's Internet site, www.scholastic.com.

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