District Administrators Share Love of Books at Various Schools for Read Across America

ATLANTIC CITY — Superintendent of Schools Dr. La’Quetta S. Small made a surprise visit to Pennsylvania Avenue School on Tuesday, March 3, 2026, as the school community celebrated Read Across America. 

Dr. Small joined students for a special read-aloud in Julia Smith’s kindergarten classroom, where she was welcomed before greeting students and taking a seat at the front of the room for story time. Small told the class that I Am Enough—written by Grace Byers and illustrated by Keturah A. Bobo—is one of her favorite books, and she shared it with students as part of the national reading celebration that encourages children to build a love of books.

“Some people have long hair. Some people have short hair. In school, we’re all different,” Dr. Small said.  The important thing, however, is for students to embrace and accept themselves.

You are more than enough,” Dr. Small told the students. “I want you to embrace who you are. I want you to love who you are.”

The students watched intently and listened closely as she read. The story’s themes of confidence, kindness and self-worth drew smiles as the students followed along, reinforcing the district’s focus on early literacy and positive learning environments.

Pennsylvania Avenue School Principal Thomas Biggins said literacy is the foundation of upon which all learning is built at Pennsylvania Avenue School. “It’s something that everyone should attain. It’s a 21^st century skill set,” said Biggins. “It’s critical to math, science and social emotional learning. Everything circles back to reading.” Biggins commended the school’s literacy coach and said reading is critical to student success. “Eventually, there’s a shift from learning to read, to reading to learn,” Biggins said. “Literacy is the master key that unlocks every other room in the building,”

Pennsylvania Avenue School’s Read Across America activities are part of a broader effort across Atlantic City Public Schools to celebrate reading throughout the year and to connect students with stories that inspire them.

Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction Dr. Lakecia Hyman spent time reading to students at Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. School Complex and Sovereign Avenue School. Hyman said she read first graders a book called "Library Mouse" that teaches young readers that they can travel the world through imagination.

"Using reading to explore the world is amazing," Dr. Hyman said. "Books offer experiences."

to see our photo gallery from Read Across America events, click the link: https://photos.app.goo.gl/vqkP43eb7EEvFtvD7