Celebrating Read Across America in ETSD

Beeler Elementary School

A highlight at Beeler was the school’s Reading Fair, where students created projects based on books they read, along with a Read-a-Thon that reached SLIME level — meaning the principal and staff were getting slimed again this year! It was a fun and engaging way to build excitement around reading.

DeMasi Elementary & Middle Schools

DES/DMS celebrated with a Read-a-Thon, Buddy Reading between DES and DMS students, and a Book Character Spirit Day in which students and staff dressed as their favorite characters. DES also hosted a special event, “Reading is the Heart of Learning,” where students took part in an activity tracking their heart rate, then engaged in meditation, reading, and comparing their results. First grade students at DES also visited Cherokee for additional Read Across America activities.

Jaggard Elementary School

Jaggard’s celebration included multiple author studies, theme days, a Reading Challenge, and a Seuss celebration. These activities gave students a variety of ways to connect with books and enjoy the excitement of literacy-focused learning.

Marlton Elementary School

At MES, the school community came together for Drop Everything and Read and Read in the Hallway as a school. Students also read A Little Spot of Belonging and created their own “little spots” while reflecting on what makes them unique. The school also held a Read Across America-themed morning meeting where Read-a-Thon winners got to slime their teachers and principal.

Marlton Preschool Center

Marlton Preschool Center celebrated with a Read Across America spirit week during the first week of March, including a Dress As Your Favorite Book Character Day. Students also enjoyed a book display featuring stories about kindness and famous women in recognition of Women’s History Month.

Marlton Middle School

At MMS, students and staff created a wonderful Big Readers, Little Readers Club. Middle school students selected books, planned mini lessons, and then read to Marlton Preschool Center students after school — a great example of older students helping inspire younger readers.

Van Zant Elementary School

Van Zant 5th graders celebrated Read Across America by writing book recommendations for other students. Their recommendations were displayed in classrooms to help inspire future readers, and students also enjoyed read-alouds recorded by staff during Mystery Reader Week.

Rice Elementary School

Rice celebrated with theme days throughout the week and virtual evening read-alouds hosted by staff. Students and staff dressed up and celebrated a variety of authors and genres, helping make literacy both fun and memorable.