Watson Williams Holds ‘Community Readers’ Day for Summer Reading Initiative

Watson Williams Elementary School once again held 'Community Readers Day' to kick-off the Summer Reading Challenge for students. This program is sponsored by local leaders to encourage students to take a break from their devices to read.

Several people from the community took time out of their morning to read a book to a classroom full of students. After that kids had the chance to find out more about that person's career. I had the privilege of reading to Mrs. Laribee's 5th grade class and we learned about the nation's earliest inventors.

Assemblyman Anthony Brindisi says, "Community Readers Day is always an excellent way to encourage elementary students to spend a little time each day over the summer reading." He believes that reading has long been proven to continue progress made over the school year.

State Senator Joe Griffo says, "There is no limit to the wonderful adventures and insightful creativity that a child can experience by reading a good book."

Watson Williams Principal Cheryl Minor is happy to have Brindisi and Griffo sponsor this annual event. She describes the challenge and what students are expected to do while participating. From July to August Minor says, "students are encouraged to read by themselves or with a friend or family member for at least 15 minutes a day for at least 40 days during July and August."

It was an honor to participate in a project like this and speaking with the kids in Mrs. Laribee's class, they are young and eager to learn and it should be encouraged.