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. In our schools, Read Across America was celebrated with a week of readers of all ages exploring books and authors, enjoying special guest readers and speakers and participating in schoolwide reading events. Here is just a glimpse of some of the highlights of activities that took place around the district.
Watchung had several guest authors including members of the Montclair Fire and Police Departments.
Students were also treated to assemblies with former Montclair parent and sportswriter Frank Isola (below left) and Watchung parent and author Frank Neff (below right). Neff talked about his writing process and encouraged students to think about books that made an impact on them and what made them memorable.
Hillside took time out of the day to Drop Everything and Read. Students grabbed a book and lined the hallways for a schoolwide second period read-in.
Montclair Fire Department members visited with students at
Northeast. The school also held a read-in.
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Read Across
Edgemont Week was a huge success thanks to students, staff and families who supported this event. Students were excited to read/hear a new book each day, see family members, wear pajamas and share stories. The school welcomed Jason Patterson, an award-winning graphic novelist and animator. At an assembly, he discussed writing and animation and students had an opportunity to ask questions.
Nishuane began its annual Pennies for Pages event. During the next few months students will engage in literacy activities including a book swap, reading a Women’s History Month-themed book and the reading challenge in which students read and raise funds for the Montclair Public Library. Every book read by a student during this initiative, in school and at home, earns one penny to donate towards the library.