Read, read, read! Cobb teachers encourage students to read every day, but on March 2nd, Cobb students joined students from around the county in celebrating Read Across America. 

While some read from their favorite book or picked out a new one from their school’s media center, other students took a seat for storytime with guest readers. 

Students at Chalker Elementary School and Pitner Elementary School listened to Cobb Schools Board Chair David Chastain read from “The Koala Who Could.” The Board Chair encouraged the students to think about what they could do instead of what they couldn’t, like the character in the book.

“When I come out and read with the kids and talk about a book like, I did today, where the kids can relate to the character and start talking about their fears and how they overcome them, those are the things that I enjoy, actually interacting with the students and not just reading to them,” Mr. Chastain said.

Because he has loved books since childhood and understands the importance of reading, Mr. Chastain always encourages students and adults alike to spend time reading every day.

Media specialist Jan Philips is one of the people at Chalker who helps put books in the hands of students. 

“Reading is everything. It’s very hard to get by if you struggle with reading. That’s why I’m here every day doing what I do and have been teaching the last 34 years because the kids are that important and the staff is that important,” said the veteran educator, who has served in Cobb Schools since 1988. 

Superintendent Chris Ragsdale also encouraged students to keep reading when visiting Addison Elementary School. The Addison kindergartners listened intently as the Superintendent read, "Norma Jean, Jumping Bean.” 

Multiple members of the Cobb Schools central office staff stepped in as guest readers for students at Belmont Hills Elementary School. Members of the community, including Smyrna Police, even stopped by to read to students. The cafeteria staff joined in with festive wear to show students the fun side of reading.

There were also guest readers at City View Elementary, Compton Elementary School, Kennesaw Elementary School, and many more. 

“Reading is really the foundational skill for all of learning. When [students] see other people reading as well, they learn that it’s an everyday habit, something that is just a natural part of their life, and then they pick up a book, and they read every day for leisure and for academics,” explained Lori Quintana, Fair Oaks Elementary School media specialist.