Pomeroy Celebrates Read Across America Day

From school board and city council members to parents and local firefighters, members of the Pomeroy Elementary School community in Santa Clara turned out in force to help spread the joy of reading. The school’s annual Read Across America event on March 3 was a rousing success.

For the younger students, it was a chance to inspire reading from the very start.

“It’s the most special day,” said one transitional kindergartener, who then sat down to a reading of an Elephant and Piggy book by Mo Willems.

It was read to him by retired teacher Ms. Hawkins, who was dressed up as Elephant.

Elephant and Piggy was a common theme among the younger students.

“I like to read lots of stuff,” said kindergartener Saira, who also chose the duo as one of her favorites. “Because they’re so funny.”

Her class experienced green eggs and ham for breakfast, a meal that received mixed reviews.

For the older students, it was a chance to learn something as well as experience the joy of being read to.

“It’s like a celebration of reading, and so students get a chance to take a break from the rigorous academic work and just enjoy books,” said third-grade teacher Melissa Fetter. “We talk about what their favorite book is, and we read lots of books from things that they remember from kindergarten. And it’s just a really fun, relaxing day to just enjoy reading.”

Fetter’s class was one of the lucky classes whose reader came accompanied by therapy dog Guava.

“The kids are very excited to have the therapy dog come,” said Fetter. “I tried to keep it a good secret who the community members were, and so it’s really exciting. They had a school board member, and they have the therapy dog, and then some of their teachers from when they were in lower grades will be coming. So, they’re really excited.”

Third-grader Palista said her favorite book is “Because of Winn Dixie.” Even though she’s experienced Read Across America Day before, she still looks forward to it.

“You get to wear pajamas,” said Palista, who appreciates the readers in addition to the attire. “Because they always bring good books.”

In addition to the therapy dog, Santa Clara firefighters read books that taught students about fire safety. Santa Clara Vice Mayor Kelly Cox, City Council Member Kevin Park and several school board members were also guest readers.

Pomeroy Principal Kevin Keegan believes having community members from various walks of life helps students see reading as an everyday occurrence.

“So, there’s the community aspect of we live these literate, readerly lives, right? It happens outside of school. It happens inside of school. It’s when you’re a kid; it’s when you’re an adult,” said Keegan. “So, when they see people from all over the city, a diverse group of people, they see themselves. They see readers, they see professionals, all that. I love the community piece.”

Read Across America Day helped the school kick off its read-a-thon month, which encourages students to read as many pages as they can in March.

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