From March 3-7, Carle Place’s Cherry Lane School students took part in Read Across America Week, a celebration filled with exciting, literacy-focused activities and events.
The week kicked off with a vocabulary parade where students and staff dressed as a vocabulary word of their choice and marched in a parade. The parade, which was filled with creative and imaginative costumes, aimed to expand the students’ vocabulary and love of words. The event concluded with a schoolwide read-a-thon in the gymnasium, where the students gathered with their books to begin their reading journey for the week and share their stories with classmates.
Each day featured a reading-themed dress up day. On Tuesday, the students “teamed up” for reading by wearing sports gear, followed by athletic wear for “reading jogs the mind,” future career attire for “books open up a world of all different careers” and pajamas for “cozy up with a good book.” The spirit week outfits added enthusiasm and engagement, furthering the week’s goal of a shared excitement for reading. Additionally, every grade participated in a gradewide heart word bingo, reinforcing literacy and vocabulary skills.
A highlight of the week was the Characters of Carle Place career day event, where community members throughout Carle Place visited to discuss their professions, answer questions and read to the students. This event allowed students to learn about various careers while recognizing the many individuals who contribute to the community’s success.
“Through these immersive experiences, students explored the power of words, connected literacy to future aspirations and embraced the joy of reading in a fun and meaningful way,” said Cherry Lane principal Lauren Moriarty.
“Read Across America Week has evolved into a vibrant, weeklong celebration of literacy, bringing students together through engaging activities,” said Danielle Emmel and Hayley DesRuisseaux, reading teachers and co-coordinators of Read Across America Week. “The week not only fostered a love for literacy but also strengthened the school community, encouraging students of all ages to develop strong reading habits in an exciting and collaborative way.”
Read Across America Week continues to be a meaningful tradition at Cherry Lane, inspiring students through the power of reading every year.
