Manchester Essex Regional School District Celebrates Read Across America Week

MANCHESTER-BY-THE-SEA — During Read Across America Week, Essex Elementary School and Manchester Memorial Elementary School transformed into scenes straight out of a children’s book, with costumes, read-alouds, special guests, and more, to celebrate reading across the district. 

Essex Elementary School and Manchester Memorial Elementary School kicked off Read Across America Week with celebrations bringing together students and staff.

Read Across America Week focuses on Celebrating a Nation of Diverse Readers to ensure all students see themselves reflected in literature, which is an ongoing theme throughout the school year at both Essex Elementary and Manchester Memorial Elementary Schools.

Kicking off with a Dr. Seuss theme was an easy choice since Monday, March 2, was Dr. Seuss’s birthday. Students and staff had fun dressing in Seuss-inspired outfits and participated in themed activities.

Students were encouraged to sign a Reader’s Pledge, committing to lifelong reading. Those who took the pledge were entered into a raffle, and two students were selected from each school and given a gift bag and a gift card to a local bookstore.

Throughout the week, students and staff donned colorful attire inspired by classic children’s book characters. Grade 5 students shared their love of reading by visiting Kindergarten and Grade 1 classrooms to read their favorite books aloud to younger students. 

Additionally, School Resource Officer Andrea Locke and comfort dog, Daisy, made a special appearance to share their favorite Dr. Seuss books with Pre-K students.

Both schools also launched a schoolwide Book Drive to benefit The REAL Program, a nonprofit providing children in the area with access to books.

Older students in the schools are writing book recommendations for younger students, where each classroom will then vote on its favorite book. 

Additionally, classrooms competed in a door-decorating contest centered on books and reading. Student leaders in each school selected one winning classroom, which will be rewarded with an extended recess period.

As the week continued, students participated in themed spirit days, including mismatched socks day, crazy hair day, dress as your favorite character day, and pajama day. 

“It’s been a busy, successful week!” said MERSD Elementary Library Teacher Samantha Silag, who coordinated the festivities. “Seeing students and staff at both EES and MMES celebrate the joy of reading in such creative ways definitely made the extra work worthwhile.”

“These activities reflect our district’s commitment to fostering a love of reading and building connections among students,” said Superintendent Pam Beaudoin. “Read Across America Week has been a wonderful celebration of community and literacy.”

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