Each year, National Read Across America Day is celebrated on March 2. The annual event is part of Read Across America, an initiative for reading created by the National Education Association to encourage children to read at an early age. To celebrate the love of reading, Life School and Region 10 Education Service Center (ESC) hosted several Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders (DCC) and other special guests to read to the elementary students of Life School Oak Cliff Elementary (LSOCE).
Seven DCC, along with other volunteers from Life School and Region 10 ESC, read books to students in grades K-6. This year’s theme, “Create and Celebrate a Nation of Diverse Readers,” featured book titles such as Same, Same But Different by Sue Kostecki-Shaw, All Are Welcome by Alexandra Penfold, and Big, Brave, Bold Sergio by Debbie Wagenbach. Students had the opportunity to follow along with the book and also engage in conversation with the local celebrity readers by asking questions.
Of the experience, one DCC, Ashlee, says, “The importance of a day like Read Across America Day is grand. We are talking about diversity and reading in schools. It’s very special because the students get to learn about positivity, and learn what it looks like to have value in yourself and in others. I hope that after today, the students walk away with more value in themselves, thinking about all of the things that make them awesome.”
This event, which has been hosted jointly by Life School and Region 10 ESC for seven years, is fundamental in helping students develop a love of reading at an early age.
“Read Across America is one of Region 10’s favorite events of the year! It allows educators and community favorites, such as the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders, to come together to express the importance of literacy. Realizing that a child’s ability to read directly affects their future success, it is imperative that we, all supporters of literacy, not only verbalize our passion for this cause but also show our advocation for literacy. Read Across America is an incredible opportunity to express our desire to see all children reach their full potential to become fluent readers.” says Dr. Karen Barnes, Region 10 Assistant Director of Supervision and Leadership Development.
Closing the Literacy Gap is one of the main strategic goals on which Life School is focused. Across the district, Life School is working to ensure that every student is reading on grade level by the third grade. Research shows this is an essential benchmark for student success.
“We are so grateful for the continued partnership with Region 10 ESC and the Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders,” notes LSOCE Principal QuaNesha Stovall. “Having guest readers is always fun for the students. Read Across America Day helps reinforce the importance of reading, but it also is something that the students look forward to!”
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Life School is a tuition-free, public charter school with campuses in Carrollton, Cedar Hill, Lancaster, Mountain Creek, Red Oak, Oak Cliff and Waxahachie, TX. Life School develops leaders with life skills through strong academics, character training, and partnerships with parents and the community. Its mission is accomplished in part through the financial support of donors who provide scholarships and embrace making students ready to learn, ready to lead and ready for life.
Parents who are interested in enrollment can visit lifeschool.net/learn-about-life. Enrollment for the 2022-2023 school year is open until March 10, 2023. Partners who would like to support Life School financially can give online at lifeschool.net/give.
