Read Across the District celebrates kids' love of books
(ROSA GUERRERO ELEMENTARY SCHOOL – Nov. 2, 2018) -- The Cat in the Hat, El Paso icon Rosa Guerrero and Clifford the Big Red Dog kicked off the fifth annual Read Across the District celebration Friday morning at Guerrero Elementary School.
Campuses throughout EPISD invited community members to read to students for 30 minutes at precisely 10 a.m. for the District’s annual fall literacy events.
“Read Across the District is an opportunity to have a districtwide literacy event where we invite civic leaders, military leaders, business leaders and parents to drop everything and read to our students,” said Tamekia Brown, Chief Academic Officer, who dressed up as the Cat in the Hat. “We not only want teach read but want them to love reading. We know if they love reading and they know how to read, ‘Oh the places they’ll go.’ Today is about loving reading.”
The Franklin drumline kicked off the celebration which also include an appearance by the school’s namesake. Guerrero fired up the students with a little chant, getting the drumline. “Read, read, read, read, read,” she repeated to the beat set by the drumline.
“Reading and writing are the basis of education,” she told the students. “Es muy importante leer y escribir.”
Fifth grader Uba Ibeanu proudly represented his fellow students during the kick off ceremony.
“I think this event is going to be really fun. I really enjoy reading and I’m really happy they have this and that they asked Rosa Guerrera to host,” Uba said.
His message during the ceremony: “I love reading. It helps me develop my brain. The brain is a muscle and needs exercise like your all your other muscles, too. Reading is a great way to exercise your brain. But reading isn’t just to exercise your brain. Teaching children to read helps them learn to listen. Everyone wants to talk, but very few people can really listen.”
The events were coordinated by librarians across EPISD who reached out to parents and other community members to join with campuses to read.
“Read Across the District is awesome because it’s a time when the whole District comes together and we take the time to read for enjoyment – without intent,” said Guerrero librarian Annette Schatzman. “Our community members were thrilled to be here. It’s a great way to get the word out that reading is important, reading can be for fun and reading can bring people together.”
Photos by Leonel Monroy