Reading Across America at Washington School
A special month of reading activities closed on a high note at Washington Primary School with an assortment of dignitaries turning out for Read Across America Day last Friday morning. The visitors brought some of their favorite children’s books to life and students were left feeling energized.
The four-week long campaign was organized by school librarian Georganne White. The veteran faculty member originally planned a big-kickoff event for March 2, but a snow storm prevented that from happening. Still, reading reached new heights at the Washington.
The activities ranged from the hugely successful Parents as Reading Partners program and an elaborate PTA book fair to students performing literature skits in the library as part of the Junior Great Books program and an exciting “Books or No Books” game night.
Parent volunteers regularly stopped at the school to read to students in classrooms. “The students looked forward to these visitors and we are so appreciative that so many people volunteered to participate in this important activity,” Ms. White said.
The dignitaries that turned out for Read Across America Day included various district officials and even Town Councilwoman Susan Berland, who felt right at home with her third grade audience and captivated their interest with a discussed about her work.
Read Across America is an annual initiative sponsored by the National Education Association. The special event at Washington was part of the school’s quest to earn a Read Across America On-Going Reading Award.
“The purpose of the program is to encourage students to read,” Ms. White said. “Strong reading skills are an important factor in student achievement. We are trying to build the foundation necessary for lifelong readers.”
PTA members were on hand with coffee and cake to greet the guest readers last Friday morning. A short assembly program introduced the visitors to Washington’s 375 students. The dignitaries were serenaded with an enjoyable rendition of the “Star Spangled Banner” by Patricia Maltempo’s second grade class. Then it was off to classrooms.
Superintendent John J. Finello read “Thank You Mr. Faulker” about a student thanking a teacher for all he has done. Assistant Superintendent David H. Grackin read “How Much is a Million?” which was entirely appropriate since he’s in charge of the school district’s finances. Assistant Superintendent Joseph Giani read a perennial favorite, “The Giving Tree.” Assistant Superintendent Barbara Lacey had the kids laughing with “Tops & Bottoms.”
Director of Humanities Joseph Leavy read about his hero Theodore Roosevelt. Huntington School Board members Christine Bene and Emily Rogan were also on hand. Mrs. Bene wowed kindergarteners with “Anansi the Spider” and Mrs. Rogan read from a book selected by her daughter, Julia, a Washington third grader.
Washington nurse Karen Martin, Director of Science David Casamento, SEARCH Chairperson Maryann Daly, and Glenn Edwards, the dual language program facilitator all participated as guest readers, too. Even Anthony Barresi, a retired district principal who was filling in for the day for Washington Principal Marsha Neville while she served jury duty, got into the act by reading a fun selection of short books.
It was hard to tell who was having a better time, the visitors or the youngsters. “The smiles on everyone’s faces after having spent time with our precious resource, the students, were a sight to behold,” Ms. White said.
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