John F. Kennedy students and staff enjoy camp-themed activities during Reading Week
From Nov. 14–18, elementary students at the John F. Kennedy School celebrated the building’s annual Reading Week with this year’s theme, “Camp JFK Reads S’more.” The week included a variety of camp-themed activities and special guests to promote a love for reading.
One of the highlights of Reading Week was the Campfire Share activity, where classes gathered together around a “campfire” in the school gymnasium to hear read-alouds led by Assistant Principal Ai-Huei Chang-Lau and Coach Roger Telsey. Students also enjoyed read-alouds by mystery readers – including parents and teachers – who visited classes throughout the week to share their favorite books.
Additional Reading Week activities included decorating Camp JFK t-shirts, reading in pajamas on Pajama Day, and guest author visits. Two acclaimed children’s book authors/illustrators spoke with students about their processes for developing creative stories and powerful illustrations. Students in prekindergarten through second grade were treated to an assembly with author/illustrator David Biedrzycki, while third through fifth-grade students met with author/illustrator Chris Soentpiet.
Reading Week is an annual event at Kennedy School to support literacy initiatives and develop the students’ love of reading. Activities are coordinated by a Reading Week committee led by Andrea Gerstenblatt, library media specialist.
—Submitted by the Great Neck Public School District
