Get ready for EPISD's Read Across the District event
(EL PASO INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT -- Nov 13, 2020) — District librarians are gearing up for EPISD’s 2020 Read Across the District on Nov. 20, which this year will bring the love of reading and books to students via a virtual setting.
A reading of the children’s book Peter Reynold's "Be You" by students throughout the District kicks off the event online and can be accessed through the EPISD website and social media. Students will then celebrate literacy by hearing a guest reader or simply reading a book for 30 minutes.
“RAD is an event that everyone gets excited about because it involves the entire school community coming together to celebrate literacy and the love of reading,” said Armando Loera, library administrator. “Students especially look forward to RAD because they are excited to see what fun activities their librarians will have and they always love to drop everything and read. Even though this year RAD will be virtual, we are looking forward to celebrating reading and emphasizing its importance no matter how one reads.”
EPISD began RAD six years ago combining a literacy initiative with district goals to engage the community. Campuses throughout EPISD invite civic leaders, business partners, celebrity readers and other volunteers to read to students. Older students pick up their digital devices or paperbacks to read for pure enjoyment during the half-hour event.
At Putnam, students will have virtual guests including Chico, journalist Karla Mariscal, author Bobbie Pyron and UTEP cheerleaders. Other readers include the school leaders and staff, PTA, Coronado teachers and students and Loera.
“Our goal is to promote the love of reading and inspire our students to become lifetime readers,” said Putnam librarian Norma Medina. “Our guest readers were matched with quality books and will join the classes using Zoom.”
Video by EPISD Live
Graphic by Martín A. López