PEF: Read Across America 2023: Adventures In the Written Word

Last week Pasadena Unified School District elementary schools invited members of the community back into their classrooms to share their childhood favorite stories for Read Across America. This year’s event was held on Thursday, March 2. A return to in-person participation was reason for all to celebrate.

PEF connects its board members, partners, and volunteers with schools to participate each year. While the goal is to share the joy of reading with students, our volunteer readers leave feeling their own minds have been opened and their spirits lifted by the wit and wisdom of children to whom they read.

This annual celebration has become something our school community looks forward to each spring. Once again, Read Across America 2023 was filled with wonderful stories. And we all look forward to many more adventures together in the written word.

Gratitude to the PUSD students who shared their inquisitive minds with our volunteer readers!

Here’s what some PEF volunteers had to say about their experience:

“The kids were so smart and asked the best questions after I read ‘There is no Place Like Space -All About the Solar System.’“ – Karina Montilla/PEF Board Member

“Thank YOU for the opportunity to read at Madison Elementary School. Smiles, attention, and interest in stories shown by the students ‘made’ my day. I am glad for the opportunity.” – Susan Houser/Volunteer

“It was a great experience! The students I met were inquisitive and delightful! I read ‘Bizzy Mizz Lizzie’ by local author David Shannon and the first graders loved the queen bee and anticipating what might happen next. For the third graders, we talked about favorite animals (several tigers!) and I read ‘Click Clack Moo’ which was fun!” – Katie Brandon/Executive Director of Pasadena Village

“I had the honor of reading to two 3rd grade classes at Don Benito Elementary. This was the first time reading my published book ‘Peacrocodilly’ in a classroom setting. Students offered names for my next book ‘Cornapuppia’ or ‘Mangonoceros’. I also read ‘Gerald McBoing-Boing’, about a boy who speaks by making different sounds. Students talked about people in their lives who are different; we had a whole conversation about inclusion. I was moved and impressed. I love reading in the classroom… engaging students, promoting literacy, and having conversation.” – Felita Kealing/PEF Immediate Past Board President

Pasadena Educational Foundation (PEF), 351 South Hudson Ave. RM 153, Pasadena, (626) 396-3625 or visit pasedfoundation.org.