As Read Across America Week wrapped up last week, many schools continued to focus on strengthening the literacy of their students. While on Saturday at the Moreno Valley Mall, the annual MVUSD Reading Festival took place.
The Reading Festival recognized 3rd grade students for making a commitment to reading. Each student's name was called and they were recognized on stage with certificates and a bag of books. The mall was filled with activities related to reading - including Dr. Seuss characters and Clifford the Big Red Dog. Students were able to walk to the variety of activities and search for passport stamps which could be turned in for a chance to win a variety of prizes.
Board President Jesus Holguin, Vice President Cleveland Johnson, Clerk Dr. Marsha Locke, and Member Susan Smith attended to greet the students. Superintendent Dr. Martinrex Kedziora was the emcee of the event.
Several partners were recognized including Moreno Valley College, UC Riverside, Brandman University, and Moss Brothers Auto Group.
"It was a wonderful event to celebrate literacy with our 3rd grade students," said Board Vice President Cleveland Johnson, "If children can read by 3rd grade, studies show that they have a much higher chance of graduating from high school and being successful adults."
At school sites, Moreno Elementary Elementary School students participated in classroom activities centered around Dr. Seuss and many students dressed up for school spirit day. AVID students from Mountain View Middle School read to every classroom to kick off the reading celebration.The school also hosted its annual Dr. Seuss Family Literacy Night where they enjoyed a variety of activities, listened to readings by guest readers, enjoyed competitions, and spent time with family. There was also a fourth and fifth grade assembly with author, Erin Gruwell, founder of the Freedom Writers. She shared the stories and experiences that she had with her students who are featured in the book and the movie Freedom Writers. The students were able to go back to their classrooms where they shared their thoughts and feelings after participating in the assembly. One student shared, “I cried. I have been through the same thing as one of the students.“ Another stated, “The words that they said in the movie were very inspiring. It helped me to see what other people are going through.” Moreno Elementary teacher, Alice Wheatley, said that the presentation and stories resonated with her own personal experiences and that the “toast for change” represents her class model, “If it is to be, it is up to me”. At Moreno we have the power!
Sunnymead Elementary School celebrated with parents and students during an event in the multipurpose room. The students enjoyed reading with their parents. Kinder through third grade parents read a book and ate "Seusstastic" snacks. The Dual Language Immersion team invited all K-3 parents to to show the love of reading.