Students Celebrate Annual Read Across American Week

Posted on: March 16, 2021

During the week of March 5, students across St. Joseph’s Indian School’s campus filled the hallways with colorful themed attire as they celebrated the annual “Read Across America” event, which coincides with American children’s author Theodor Suess Geisel’s birthday. The fun did not stop in the classroom. Each student braved a fresh plate of Suess-like dining with some green eggs and ham at lunchtime. 

Classes decorated the halls with fun projects and lessons throughout the week that aimed to inspire students to embody self-confidence and motivation. The third-grade class participated in a writing project titled, “Star or no star…I like you the way you are. I like me because …” This allowed each student to reflect on what they like about themselves.

One student wrote in response:

“I am kind. I am helpful. I have good handwriting. I help my mom with my siblings. I am good at my homework.”  — Aleighya LaRoche.

Assistant Principal Jessica McManus-Sazue enjoys watching students take the entire week to celebrate the power of reading and encouraging them to read more often than usual. The hallways are lined with mementos of the week spent commemorating Read Across America week. McManus-Sazue feels like there are vital lessons in different Seuss books including taking care of the environment, standing up for those who cannot defend themselves, accepting others who are different. Despite experiencing life’s ups and downs, success is possible for all of us. “By planning special projects and events like this, we hope to motivate life-long readers and create awareness for the importance of reading.  After all, reading can be fun,” said McManus Sazue.

Launched in 1998 by the National Education Association (NEA) and guided by a committee of educators, NEA’s Read Across America is the nation’s largest celebration of reading. This year-round program focuses on motivating children and teens to read through events, partnerships, and reading resources that are about everyone, for everyone.