Acknowledging the importance of reading and literacy, the students from Bayview Avenue, Leo F. Giblyn and New Visions elementary schools participated in Read Across America Day.
At Bayview Avenue Elementary School, Principal Kelly Fairclough visited the first grade classrooms as a guest reader sharing the book “Mae Among the Stars,” by Roda Ahmed. Students gathered around to hear the story of Mae Jemison, the first African-American woman to travel in space.
"Read Across America is a great day to encourage reading to relax. I enjoyed sharing a book that connected to Women's History Month and conveyed the idea of dreaming, believing in yourself and working hard because anything is possible,” Bayview Avenue Principal Kelly Fairclough said.
Freeport High School students visited classrooms in New Visions to read a variety of stories to students in groups and one-on-one, and encouraged the younger students to always make time for reading.
“We were excited to welcome 18 Freeport High School students to New Visions to promote literacy in our elementary classrooms,” Principal Jessica Romero said. “Our high school partners read and led discussions on “Dream Street”, a picture book that celebrates cultural differences and deep familial bonds. New Visions is a school of exploration and discovery, and we like to think of reading as a way to explore communities both near and far.”
The administrators, staff and students at Leo F. Giblyn Elementary School gathered quietly in the school’s hallways for a reading “sit-in.” Students along with their teachers, teachers aids, the school nurse, School Principal Amy Lederer and Assistant Principal Joanna Bowers lined the hallways as they sat and read the book of their choice for 20 minutes prior to the end of the school day.
“In addition to fostering a love of reading among our students, we developed the reading “sit-in” because we wanted to model what a good reader looks like,” said Leo F. Giblyn Principal Amy Lederer. “Our School is called A Passport to Learning, and what better way to open the door to learning than by recognizing the importance of reading.”
Read Across America Day is a nationwide reading event to promote literacy and encourage a love of reading among children.