South Whittier School District held their very first Reading Around South Whittier event on Thursday, March 7, at all six of their elementary schools throughout their district.
South Whittier modeled this event after the National Education Association’s Read Across America activities. They asked professionals throughout the community to come and celebrate the joys of reading with SWSD elementary students.
Students from TK all the way to sixth grade got to enjoy reading books with professionals from a variety of backgrounds including police officers, librarians, people in the financial industry, school board members, and a police academy director just to name a few. Students got to read with South Whittier’s Superintendent, Dr. Gary Gonzales, South Whittier board member, Natalia Barajas, West Covina Mayor, Walter Allen, and many others.
School board member, Jan Baird, shared about her experience reading to students.
“I had a really good time. Both classes I read to were attentive and asked questions. It’s always a lot of fun being with the kids and I enjoyed it.”
Many professionals read books that inspired them growing up or that were in line with their career. They also spoke with students about what they do for a living. One police office shared safety tips with students and allowed them to ask him questions.
Thank you to all community members who participated in the first Reading Around South Whittier event!