MANCHESTER-BY-THE-SEA — Students and staff at Essex Elementary School and Manchester Memorial Elementary School celebrated Read Across America Week with costumes, read-alouds, special guests, and schoolwide activities celebrating reading.
According to the Manchester Essex Regional School District, the celebrations brought together students and educators across both schools to promote literacy and encourage a love of books.
Read Across America Week focuses on celebrating diverse readers and ensuring students see themselves reflected in literature, a theme that continues throughout the school year at both schools.
The celebration began with a Dr. Seuss theme in recognition of the author’s birthday on March 2. Students and staff dressed in Seuss-inspired outfits and participated in themed activities.
Students were also invited to sign a Reader’s Pledge committing to lifelong reading. Those who participated were entered into a raffle, and two students from each school received gift bags and gift cards to a local bookstore.
Throughout the week, students and staff wore colorful attire inspired by classic children’s book characters. Fifth-grade students also visited kindergarten and first-grade classrooms to read their favorite books aloud to younger students.
“It’s been a busy, successful week!” said MERSD elementary library teacher Samantha Silag, who coordinated the celebrations. “Seeing students and staff at both EES and MMES celebrate the joy of reading in such creative ways definitely made the extra work worthwhile.”
School Resource Officer Andrea Locke and comfort dog Daisy also visited to read Dr. Seuss books with Pre-K students.
Both schools launched a schoolwide book drive to benefit The REAL Program, a nonprofit organization that provides children in the area with access to books.
Older students are also writing book recommendations for younger students, with each classroom voting on its favorite selection.
Classrooms participated in a door-decorating contest centered on books and reading, with student leaders selecting one winning classroom at each school to receive an extended recess.
Students also took part in themed spirit days throughout the week, including mismatched socks day, crazy hair day, dress-as-your-favorite-character day, and pajama day.
“These activities reflect our district’s commitment to fostering a love of reading and building connections among students,” Superintendent Pam Beaudoin said. “Read Across America Week has been a wonderful celebration of community and literacy.”
