Both Bloomsdale Elementary and Ste. Genevieve Elementary celebrated Read-On Missouri Week from March 3 - 7. This week is part of the Read Across America program, which is sponsored by the National Education Association and celebrates reading and encourages students to develop lifelong reading habits!
Throughout the week, students had the opportunity to participate in various activities that promote the message that reading provides countless opportunities to learn and grow. Both schools hosted visiting readers, held bookmark contests and dress-up days, among other fun activities, to celebrate the week.
MNEA officers, MNEA-Retired teachers, Board of Education members, administrators, community members and family members all made plans to read to students. Our guest readers shared some of their favorite children’s books to the students, and of course, there were three guests that all of the students knew right from the start—the Cat in the Hat, and Thing 1 and Thing 2!
Each year, SGNEA and NHS has a tradition of sponsoring Cat in the Hat visits to both elementary schools—this year, Olivia Klump dressed up as the Cat for SGE, and Karlie Basler dressed up as the Cat for BLE. Sadie Greminger and Anna Fischer were Thing 1 and Thing 2 for SGE, and Hazel Schwent and Kennedy Bowen were Thing 1 and Thing 2 for BLE. NHS members volunteer their time, while SGNEA sponsors the Cat in the Hat suits while NHS provides the Thing suits.
At both schools, students and staff celebrated the joy of reading with themed dress-up days. They cozied up with a good book in pajamas and comfy clothes, brought their favorite book characters to life, and added a splash of color to their outfits while exploring vibrant stories. Some students embraced the fun of mystery by dressing in disguise, while others put on wacky, mismatched outfits to celebrate humor in storytelling. Superheroes, knights, fairies, and comic book characters filled the halls, highlighting the power of stories and imagination. The week wrapped up with a spirited finale, as students dressed head to toe in green and white to celebrate the magic of reading together.
Toward the end of the week, every student at both schools received a bookmark! At BLE, bookmarks were drawn by students in grades 2nd - 5th, and a winner from each grade level was selected based on their theme choice, composition, and craftsmanship. At SGE, all 5th grade students designed a bookmark related to Dr. Seuss, or any of their favorite literary characters, and the winner was Layla Arnold!
From cafeteria meals centered around a Dr. Seuss theme, to photo booths, door decorating and book raffles, the week was full of literary activities. BLE held a Book Character Parade and a book raffle with 100 books to give away throughout the week! Every day of the week, names were drawn from each class, and during morning announcements, one student from each classroom was called to select a free book! SGE students received daily prizes during morning announcements throughout the week. SGE also had a flashlight fun reading activity on Friday! All students were given a flashlight to use while reading a book in their cozy pajamas. All students were able to take the flashlight home as a keepsake.
We would like to thank all of our guest readers who took the time to engage and share their love of books with our students! Your visits helped us spread the joy of reading. The students would also like to thank the Read-On Missouri committees, as well as all of the teachers, staff, cafeteria workers and all others who make this week a success every year!