Northwest celebrates Read Across America Week with guest readers

Northwest Elementary School in Amityville recently brought stories to life as it celebrated Read Across America Week with a special lineup of guest readers and engaging activities centered around a love of reading.
This year’s theme, “Celebrating a Nation of Diverse Readers,” highlighted the importance of inclusive literature while encouraging students to see themselves reflected in stories, build empathy, and appreciate diverse perspectives.
Throughout the week, students had the unique opportunity to hear from an esteemed group of guest readers, including Village of Arlen Mayor Michael O’Neill, Edmund W. Miles Middle School educator Stephanie Sage, State Assemblyman Kwani O’Pharrow, and Superintendent of Schools Dr. Gina Talbert. Each guest reader shared a book of their choosing, bringing energy and enthusiasm into the classrooms.
Featured stories included “Harry the Dirty Dog,” “Dyani the Super Swimmer,” “Honeysmoke,” and “I Believe I Can,” each offering meaningful lessons and sparking thoughtful conversations among students.
The read-aloud sessions were highly interactive, with students eagerly asking questions — not only about the stories, but also about the guest readers’ careers and responsibilities. These meaningful exchanges helped connect literacy with real-world experiences, making the event both educational and inspiring.
The Amityville School District extends its sincere appreciation to all of the guest readers for taking time out of their busy schedules to share their love of reading with Northwest’s students. Their participation helped make Read Across America Week a memorable and impactful celebration for all.

