On Wednesday, February 4, Port Chester elementary schools celebrated World Read Aloud Day, a global event that highlights the joy and importance of reading and storytelling. Classrooms across the district came alive with stories, conversations, and shared reading experiences that reminded students how books can connect us and bring ideas to life.

Throughout the day, students took part in fun, literacy-focused activities designed to spark a love of reading and writing. From listening to stories read aloud to sharing their thoughts and creative responses, students celebrated the power of imagination, curiosity, and connection in ways that were both engaging and meaningful.

At Park Avenue School, students enjoyed special virtual visits from children’s authors from across the country. During live read-alouds and interactive conversations, students listened to stories, asked questions, and learned what it’s like to be an author. These visits gave students a fun and engaging look into the world of writing and storytelling.

To make sure as many students as possible could participate, teachers signed up for at least one author visit for their classrooms. Students also took part in shared reading and writing activities that encouraged creativity, collaboration, and a love of books. World Read Aloud Day also marked the launch of Park Avenue School’s Spring Reading Challenge, which will run through mid-April and conclude with the Spring Into Reading celebration. This culminating event will feature local guest readers and a school-wide recognition of students’ reading accomplishments.

At King Street School, classrooms were filled with stories, shared voices, and smiling faces as students and staff came together to read. The celebration highlighted how reading aloud helps develop strong reading skills and confident learners, creating joyful moments that brought the entire school community together around a love of literacy.

At Thomas A. Edison Elementary School, the celebration included a special travel-themed reading experience that made the day especially memorable. Through stories set in different places and cultures, students “traveled” around the world and discovered how books can take readers on exciting journeys, all while building excitement for reading aloud.

At King Street School, classrooms were filled with stories, shared voices, and smiling faces as students and staff came together to read. The celebration highlighted how reading aloud helps develop strong reading skills and confident learners, creating joyful moments that brought the school community together around literacy.

At John F. Kennedy Elementary School, students helped build excitement by creating a fun video teaser that invited classmates and families to join the celebration. The video highlighted the joy of reading aloud and reflected students’ enthusiasm for sharing stories with others.

World Read Aloud Day showcased the strong culture of literacy across Port Chester’s elementary schools. It reminded students and families that reading is not only a foundational skill, but also a shared experience that connects classrooms, schools, and the wider community.