NSES students celebrate reading

By Melinda L. Lucas

Nancy Smith Elementary School students are observing the nationally celebrated Read Across America this week, with several community “readers” returning to campus on Wednesday after a year’s absence due to COVID.

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

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

NSES dyslexia and reading specialist Kristie Smith invited community members to come read to the students on Wednesday morning, with the hope that they would inspire a love of reading.

In the afternoon, students participated in DEAR (Drop Everything And Read) with a “Buddy.”

“Upper grade level ‘buddies’ were paired with younger students, and they read to each other,” said Smith.

In addition, teachers were encouraged to plan other activities to promote reading throughout the day.