Central Elementary celebrated Read Across America Week by hosting readers to model good reading for students on Tuesday. In light of the storms expected to roll in, community leaders and supporters showed up to emphasize how important good reading is to students. They went to the classrooms and modeled good reading for students.
Central Librarian, Mrs.Hodge-Gilbert, chair of the annual event, used this as an opportunity to reunite retired staff and faculty members with the halls they once trekked daily. Not only did Central Elementary and Webster parish retirees reach out, but Webster Parish libraries and numerous other Webster Parish Supervisors.
Non-Webster Schools representatives were: Cassidy Duck (Webster Parish Library), Aubrey Stall (Webster Parish Library), Captain Roosevelt Kinsey (Webster Parish Sheriff’s Office), Chief Deputy Hank Haynes, and Amber Lee (Cadence Bank).
Current and Former Webster Parish School representatives included: Tabitha Osborne, Jacquelyn Simmons, Denita Lester, Casandra Wallace, Janene Corley, Malea Geis, Jill Leppert, Jennie Sims, Denise Bly-Lawrence, Andre Washington, and Robin Tucker,
Central Elementary Principal, Daniel Lee, enjoyed the opportunity to see the unity in his school. “Reading spans generations. Once you learn to read, that is something that cannot be taken away from you. It is so nice to see so many familiar faces continue to let our children know that reading is so critical to a successful life.”
Teachers and students enjoyed opening their classrooms to guests. When asked about what he liked most about the event, Cooper Branch, a third grade student remarks, “I loved seeing Mrs. Leppert! She retired when I was in first grade and I was so excited to see her again. When she read it was so funny. She used funny tones and read in a funny way.”
Each year, the NEA celebrates reading in conjunction with Dr. Seuss’s birthday by recognizing Read Across America Week.