MONROE, CT — A Celebration of Reading was held at Monroe, Stepney and Fawn Hollow elementary schools last Monday as guest readers shared stories with children in their classrooms.
The event was organized by the Monroe Schools Parents Council and sponsored by The Rotary Club of Monroe. Each of the 72 K-5 classrooms was given a new hardcover children’s book to be read to students by local volunteers.
Among those volunteering at Monroe Elementary School was State Rep. Tony Scott, R-112th, who read, “The Boy and the Wild Blue Girl” by Keith Negley to a class of second graders. The imagined story of the invention of wind turbines was inspired by work of wind pioneer Poul la Cour in the late 1800s.
“The kids thought it was cool to see technology from so long ago, when there was no internet or cell phones, still at work for us today,” Scott said. “I enjoyed sharing some of the themes of this story, being kind and seeing the best in people, with the kids. They asked great follow up questions about how wind energy works, the power of one person to make change, and about kindness.”
Fellow volunteers joining Scott at Monroe Elementary Schools read were First Selectman Ken Kellogg, Fire Marshall Bill Davin and many others.
This year all the books addressed the theme of curiosity, one of the competencies of Monroe’s Vision of the Graduate. Chosen books included fiction and nonfiction, celebrating the imagination and creativity of artists, scientists and designers.
Pia Ledina, owner of Turning the Page book store in Clock Tower Square, worked with Director of Instruction Mike Crowley and the k-5 Reading Team to ensure a great selection of titles for the students.
“This wonderful community event highlights the town’s commitment to literacy and the importance of staying curious throughout our lives,” Crowley said.
The following is a slideshow with photos from all three of the town’s elementary schools:
