Central Elementary celebrated Read Across America Week by hosting readers to model good reading for students on Wednesday, March sixth. Students were treated to readings by community leaders and friends. Visitors included representatives from Webster Parish Schools District Office, Webster Parish Libraries, Debutantes from Webster’s Cotillion Program, the Minden Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Bossier Parish Community College, Lakeside High School, Sheriff Jason Parker’s Office, including Chief Deputy Hank Haynes and Louisiana State University at Shreveport.
Central Librarian, Mrs.Gilbert-Hodge, is the mastermind behind the annual event. Gilbert-Hodge highlights that reading is essential to student development. , “Reading promotes learning, curiosity and imagination. Reading will take you on adventures around the world. To quote Dr. Seuss, ‘Oh the places you will go’’.
Central Elementary Principal, Daniel Lee, emphasizes the importance of this event by highlighting that this is one of the first events Central wanted to make sure they brought back when schools had limited public access.The passion for literacy only continues to grow. Lee points out the unique nature of this event’s importance, “We stress the importance of reading daily at CES; it is a pleasure to have so many community leaders join us to celebrate the importance of reading with our students.”
Teachers and students enjoy opening their classrooms to guests. When asked about why he liked the event, fifth grade student, Sapayten Key, says, “It was great to have them read because the ladies read confidently to us. They made the book come alive.”
Each year, the NEA celebrates reading in conjunction with Dr. Seuss’s birthday by recognizing Read Across America Week. This initiative is celebrating its twenty-fifth year as students around the country celebrate.
