Winthrop Avenue third grade students welcomed readers from around the community, who read their favorite picture book via video sharing, during the Community of Readers activity. One of the goals at Winthrop Avenue School and throughout the District, Principal Sally Curto said, “is to motivate students to read, read, read.”

Teacher Stacey Reiner, who spearheaded the activity, explained that the Community of Readers was started “to allow students to hear books read by some familiar faces and see some new ones, all who will have an impact on their learning and growing as they make their way through the Bellmore schools.”

Each guest videoed themselves reading their favorite book, prefacing with some information about themselves and why they liked their book choice so much. Many of the book choices related to the Leadership Principles and Core Values taught in the District’s Bellmore Stars Character Development Program.

Principal Curto, read “After the Fall,” which reminded students the importance of perseverance and dedication, while C.A. Reinhard Principal Patricia Castine read, “Love” and shared her love of reading as she grew up. Assistant Superintendent for Instruction Dr. Joanne Dacek read, “The Rabbit Listened,” which reminded students of the Leadership Principles to “Be Proactive – Carry Your Own Weather” and to “Seek First to Understand, Then to Be Understood.”

Other readers included Board of Education trustee Leslie Cerverizzo who read her favorite book, “The True Story of the 3 Little Pigs” and Shore Road Principal Patrice Matthews, whose choice, “Enemy Pie,” defined the importance of having a “win-win” attitude.

Administrators from the Bellmore-Merrick Central High School District also participated. JFK High School Assistant Principal Dr. Marie Netto read, “Dragons Love Tacos” and Grand Avenue Middle School Assistant Principal Christopher Riccardi read, “The Bad Seed.”

The Community of Readers activity was also a way for students to connect to the community through the written word. For example, Bellmore Memorial Library Director Elaine Cummings-Young read, “The New LiBearian” and Children’s Department Head Pam Pagones read, “The Legend of Rock, Paper, Scissors.” Both librarians welcomed students back to the library and shared the importance of reading every day.

“We were so thrilled to have so many friends from the community participate,” Ms. Reiner said. “The students and teachers were so inspired that many want to reread these books to their family.”