NSES celebrates ‘Read Across America’ week

By Sandy Morris

Nancy Smith Elementary School students are observing the nationally celebrated Read Across America this week. 

The National Education Association began Read Across America Day in 1998 in conjunction with children’s author Dr. Seuss’ birthday on March 2.  

The year-round program focuses on motivating children and teens to read through events, partnerships, and reading resources that are about everyone, for everyone.

Typically, Read Across America is celebrated in early March, and in the past, NSES organizers have invited community members to come read to the students.

This year, due to COVID concerns, the decision was made to celebrate all week with the following various themes: Monday – Hats on for Readers, wear a hat to school; Tuesday – Celebrate Read Across America, wear red, white, and blue; Wednesday – Readers are Great Leaders, dress like a leader; Thursday – Read My Shirt day, wear a shirt with ‘Kind’ words; Friday – Lions Have Character, wear an Albany school spirit shirt.

Older students were invited to read to younger classes. 

Some NSES teachers put their own spin on the events and suggested book topics for each day.