Students to celebrate reading

Friday should be a fun day for students at Nancy Smith Elementary, with teachersandstudentsable to come to school dressed as a favorite storybook character in observance of National Read Across America Day.

The day set to celebrate reading nationwide is actually March 2, which is celebrated annually in conjunction with the birthday of famous children's author Dr. Seuss. The event is sponsored by the National Education Association.

“We chose to back up a day since the national observance is on Saturday thisyear,”eventcoordinator Kristie Smith said.

In addition to the costumes, community members willbeonhandto read to various grade levels.

“I have asked various groups to come in to read in the past, and this year I started with school board members,” Smith, who serves as the district’s Dyslexia coordinator, said. “There will be a few other readers with very expressive storytelling skills who have been asked as well.”

Read Across America is a year-round program focused on motivating children and teens to read through special events, partnerships,andreading resources.

“We hope that children are inspired to love to read and become lifetime readers,” Smith said.

Volunteers can contact the school to see if additional readers are needed. All visitors must check in through the front office to enter the school.