Millions of children “Read Across America”

When Clearview junior Samantha Caltabiano was asked to read her favorite children’s book to a class of elementary school students at Sewell School in Sewell, New Jersey, she jumped at the opportunity. The National Honor Society student, who dreams of becoming an elementary school teacher, thought the service project for the National Education Association’s “Read Across America” campaign would provide great experience.

“I read Morris Goes to School to Margaret Potalivo’s fourth grade class, and it was such a great time for me,” said Samantha. “We told them to keep reading,” she said of the message that the high schoolers brought to the grade school kids. “When that message comes from people closer to their age than teachers or parents, I think it really means something.”

Schools across Gloucester County celebrated Read Across America on Monday, an annual event held nationwide to focus attention on the importance of reading. Read Across America began in 1997 to celebrate the birthday of Dr. Seuss, author of The Cat in the Hat. The project has grown from a one-day event to year-long program of activities for 45 million teachers, students, and reading enthusiasts from across the country. Read more in The Gloucester County Times online.