Read-A-Thon Sparks Curiosity and Discovery

Written by David Benedict, Elementary School Principal

From March 6 to 26, the elementary school celebrated reading through our annual Read-A-Thon. Students put on their thinking caps and entered “The Reading Lab”, where curiosity sparks discovery. With a science theme that encouraged students' exploration of books across genres, students and teachers set aside time daily to celebrate the discovery that can come from curiosity driven reading. 

The event kicked off on March 5 with a special opening assembly. Students filled the auditorium, dressed in lab coats, goggles, and their best science lab outfits. The assembly introduced this year’s theme through a skit, outlined event guidelines, and featured a staff singing group to debut our new Read-A-Thon parody. 

Throughout the three weeks of reading, each elementary homeroom set aside time for Drop Everything and Read (D.E.A.R.) time. These uninterrupted daily minutes in each classroom allowed students to be curious about books of their choice, and to read alongside friends and share books together. 

Our hallways were also filled with discovery. Homeroom classes teamed up to create science themed spaces in their hallways. With a favorite book gallery, bubbling beakers, magic flying buses, rocket ships, and neon art, our hallways were abuzz with the excitement of discovery. The hallway decorating contest brought new life to our hallways and culminated in a prize for the winning grade: extra recess and a dress-down day of their choosing. The third grade team celebrated their third consecutive year of victory. 

Thursday, March 26, marked the last official day of Read-A-Thon with students coming to school in pajamas and eating pancakes for our annual Pancake & Pajama Day. This day also served as our reading day, and each class schedule was filled with book-related activities. 

The final closing assembly took place on April 9 with a celebration of all the reading discoveries. Contest winners were announced and prizes were awarded from our PTO representatives. Students also enjoyed watching video book reviews from our Book Review Contest winners. 

The assembly led to laughter and high energy as Mr. Benedict, Mrs. Palisuri, and Mrs. Trevino each took a pie to the face for students reaching the school goal of turning in 1,163 reading logs. 

Read-A-Thon 2026 closed with the debut of our new reading parody video and reminded us that curiosity through reading can spark discovery!