Locals Read to Students for Read Across America Week

Hampton-Dumont Elementary Principal Beth Frenchick said they had a wonderful time last week for Read Across America Week. 

“We had a wonderful week at the elementary schools,” she said. “We celebrated Read Across America Week with guest readers in each classroom. Teachers participated in a teacher swap, reading to a classroom other than their own. In total, we had 37 community guest readers who would have read a total of 74 books had we not been cut short due to weather. This was our first attempt at guest readers, and it went really well!”

Frenchick said she wanted to invite a variety of guests to read to the students  — school board members, administration, high school students, community leaders, parents and those with a tie to H-D schools. She added that former teachers and alumni even participated, including former Hampton-Dumont High School Principal, Berry Johnson. 

“Read Across America Week is a special week set aside to emphasize reading,” she explained. “Our guest readers come from many walks of life. Our students had the opportunity to learn about who they are and how reading impacts their daily life. Each guest encouraged our students to keep working hard and find a book that they love.”

Frenchick said she plans to invite guest readers again next year. 

“We would love to have more readers from our Hampton-Dumont communities for Read Across America Weeks in the future,” she said. “Our teachers and staff are dedicated to their students' growth. We want nothing but the best for our students, and we are grateful for everyone who volunteered to read to our students. Thank you all for your support.”

There was a different theme for each day of Read Across America Week for students and staff: Monday was crazy sock day, Tuesday was wear tie-dye or your favorite, Wednesday was wacky or mismatched clothing, Thursday was wear your favorite hat, Friday was pajama day and bring a friend to read to (a stuffed animal).