ATLANTIC CITY -- Superintendent of Schools Dr. La’Quetta S. Small visited Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. School Complex on Thursday, March 7, 2024, to share her love of literature for Read Across America Week.

Read Across America is a nationwide initiative that promotes reading among children and young adults. It was launched in 1998 by the National Education Association (NEA) and is held annually on March 2, the birthday of Dr. Seuss, the beloved author of many children's books. The goal of Read Across America is to motivate students to read more and to celebrate the joy and diversity of literature.

As students from Kamiech Campbell’s second grade class gathered on the reading rug in front of the superintendent, Dr. Small revealed that “I am Enough,” written by Grace Byers, illustrated by Keturah A. Bobo is one of her favorite books.

“You have to accept who you are,” she explained before she began to read. “We’re all different. Our hair is different. Our skin is different. How we dress, how we choose to express ourselves is different. But you are perfect the way you are. You always have to believe that.”

The students listened closely and watched intently as she read. Afterward, they explained what they learned from the book in their own words.

“The theme is that you are worthy, and you can be anything,” said August Ross-Perry. “It doesn’t matter what skin color you are, you’re perfect the way you are,” added Ayva Williams. Brandon Morgan put it this way: “Always think you’re something special.” Brooklyn Lopez agreed. “Always trust in yourself and believe in yourself,” said Lopez.

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. School Complex Principal Jodi Burroughs got in the spirit of Read Across America and dressed as Little Red Riding Hood, with a cape and basket of goodies that, of course, included some of her favorite books. Burroughs, flanked by staff and volunteers, said she developed her love of reading at the old Carnegie Library building just a few blocks south on Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.

"I spent hours in Carnegie Library," said Burroughs. "It was so snug and so cozy, I would just get in one of those window sills and just read." Burroughs said a good book has the power to transport readers to places they may never go physically. "The world is yours," Burroughs said. "Reading really does open doors and books help you explore yourself."  

Similar events took place throughout the district as visitors converged on neighborhood schools to impart their love of reading to the students. Police officers, school board members, business owners and elected officials were among those who served as guest readers.

City Council Vice President Kaleem Shabazz visited the Texas Avenue School and read to a fourth grade class. “If you can’t read and read with understanding, you’re in trouble,” said Shabazz. “You can’t work a job or even apply for a job.” Shabazz, who spent much of his youth in libraries, was joined at Texas Avenue by school board members Patricia Bailey, whose children are educators, and Ruth Byard.

“The importance of this is to teach children how important it is to read and to teach them respect,” said Byard.

Bailey focused on service. “It’s all about helping,” said Bailey. “I’ve been supporting this for about 13 years.”

Texas Avenue School Principal Lina Gil said she promoted several literacy initiatives to coincide with the Read Across America event, including a read-a-thon with prizes for the top three readers at each grade level. Students will have three weeks to read as many books as they can and whoever reads the most will receive books and other prizes.

“I’ve also been promoting home libraries,” said Gil. Gil said her school also placed a heavy emphasis on making sure students were encouraged to read both in English and their native languages.

To that end, Omayra Irizary’s bilingual kindergarten class listened to "The Pigeon Needs a Bath,” written by Mo Williams in both English and Spanish.

Tracee Oliver, the literacy coach for Brighton Avenue School, said her goal is to help students develop strong learning habits. Brighton Avenue School also encourages students to build home libraries. “We want to promote lifelong readers,” Oliver said. 

Brighton Avenue School Principal Jason Grimes said it was important to have students see that reading is a universal skill set. “The students are getting to see readers from all walks of life,” Grimes said. “They’re able to see the connection between reading and success, whether you own your business or you’re in the military.”

Seeing successful people read reinforces the importance of reading, Grimes said. 

Educators have long said that reading is not only fun, but also beneficial for students' academic and personal growth. Some of the benefits of reading include:

·  Improving vocabulary, comprehension, and critical thinking skills.

·  Expanding knowledge and curiosity about the world.

·  Enhancing creativity and imagination.

·  Developing empathy and respect for others.

·  Reducing stress and anxiety.

·  Boosting self-confidence and self-esteem.

Read Across America is not just a one-day event, but a year-round movement that aims to foster a culture of reading in schools and communities. The NEA has recently announced that it will be updating its Read Across America calendar and resources to reflect the diversity and inclusiveness of American society. The new calendar will feature books and authors that represent a wide range of backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives, and will also address timely and relevant topics such as social justice, identity, and culture. The NEA hopes that by exposing students to diverse and inspiring stories, they will be able to see themselves and others in a positive and respectful light. Atlantic City Public Schools is proud to be a part of the Read Across America movement and will continue to support and encourage its students to read more and read better.

As Dr. Seuss once said, "The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you'll go."