Mays Elementary School celebrated Read Across America Week with dress-up days, guest readers, and a book parade. This week-long initiative is part of the nation’s largest reading campaign, designed to encourage strong reading habits.

Principal Courtney Macal emphasized the importance of the event, stating, “Celebrating Read Across America Week is essential for schools, as it promotes a love for reading, strengthens literacy skills, and encourages lifelong learning.”

Reading aloud plays a vital role in literacy development, helping students expand their vocabulary and exposing them to new experiences, people, and places they might not otherwise encounter. “Having the chance to read books or have books read aloud, plants the seeds for young children to become avid readers,” shared Sarah Andrews, Special Education Resource Teacher. “This week has given us an opportunity to explore books and get kids curious about reading, a critical but often overlooked component of literacy instruction.”

Mays Elementary also welcomed special guests into their classrooms including school board members and Superintendent Neil Jeter to read aloud to students. Kindergarten teacher Erin Townes said, “The students have been overjoyed to welcome parents and friends into our classroom to share their favorite stories.” Principal Macal added, “Throughout the week, students have loved listening to guest readers and having the opportunity for older students to read to younger ones.”

Read Across America Week at Mays Elementary serves as a reminder that reading is more than just an academic skill, it's an opportunity for new worlds to be opened. Mrs. Townes also stated, “I absolutely love Read Across America Week because it shows my students just how exciting and fun reading can be!” Through these read-alouds students have gained an appreciation for books and a love for reading that will continue beyond this week!