A Concord Police officer reads to students at Thoreau Elementary School during Community Reading Days on Friday, Nov. 21. (Photo Courtesy Concord Public Schools)
CONCORD — Across Concord’s three elementary schools last week, firefighters, police officers, librarians, local officials, parents and other community members read to students as part of Community Reading Days.
The three events brought community members into classrooms from kindergarten through grade 5.
At Willard Elementary School, classes welcomed a mix of familiar and new faces. Students got the chance to meet retired Head Custodian Carl Sweeney, who returned to the school to read to students and reconnect with staff.
Alcott Elementary School hosted readers in 11 classrooms spanning grades K through 2. Readers included several School Committee and Select Board members, such as Select Board member and former Alcott parent Wendy Rovelli, who read to a first-grade class.
At Thoreau Elementary School, fifth-grade student ambassadors guided guests through the building as readers visited classrooms. Principal Justin M. Sparks said “our school was an open book” as stories filled the hallways and students welcomed readers from across the community.
Superintendent Dr. Laurie Hunter, who read to students at multiple schools, thanks the many community members who took part in last week’s Community Reading Days.
“Community Reading Days offered a meaningful way for us to build connections between schools and the wider community,” said Superintendent Hunter. “The enthusiasm we saw last week showed how powerful these moments can be for our students and for the readers who join us.”
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Superintendent Dr. Laurie Hunter reads to students at Thoreau Elementary School during Community Reading Days on Friday, Nov. 21. (Photo Courtesy Concord Public Schools)
Concord Public Schools welcomed the community into its three elementary schools on Nov. 17, 20 and 21 for Community Reading Days. (Photo Courtesy Concord Public Schools)
Thoreau Elementary School welcomed community members in on Nov. 21 to take part in Community Reading Days. (Photo Courtesy Concord Public Schools)
Retired Head Custodian Carl Sweeney reads to students at Willard Elementary School during Community Reading Days. (Photo Courtesy Concord Public Schools)