March 6, 2026 — Across Cobb County classrooms, something special happens when a book opens, and a story begins. Students lean in close, hands go up, and imagination takes flight.
That's the magic behind Read Across Cobb, the districtwide celebration of literacy that brings guest readers, educators, and community leaders into classrooms to share their favorite stories and inspire a lifelong love of reading. The annual event is Cobb Schools' local spin on the national Read Across America celebration, honoring the power of books and the opportunities they create for students.
Across the district, schools turn the celebration into a week filled with reading, activities, creative themes, and visits from special guests who remind students that books can take them anywhere.
Superintendent Chris Ragsdale, district leaders, and board members took time out of their schedules to read to students, making it clear literacy is not just a skill, but a pathway to success in school and beyond.
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A District United by the Joy of Reading
From elementary classrooms to school media centers, students across Cobb experienced the excitement of storytime in a new way during Read Across Cobb. From Mableton to Marietta, East Cobb to West Cobb, and everywhere in between, schools welcomed readers who shared their favorite books.
Superintendent Ragsdale made a special visit to read to students at Hayes Elementary School. Board Chair Randy Scamihorn read to students at Kennesaw Elementary School.
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Board Vice Chair David Chastain made several stops this week to read to students at Garrison Mill, Shallowford Falls, Mountain View, Addison, and Rocky Mount elementary schools.
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While Chastain visited schools across the district, board members Nichelle Davis and Becky Saylor brought stories to life at Argyle, Smyrna, Belmont Hills, Green Acres, Norton Park, Brumby, Russell, Sedalia Park, Birney, LaBelle, and Milford elementary schools.
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Meanwhile, Board Members John Cristadoro and Brad Wheeler captured students' imaginations at Tritt, Murdock, Timber Ridge, Hollydale, Mount Bethel, East Side, Varner, Eastvalley, Still, Kemp, Vaughan, and Due West elementary schools.
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Building Strong Readers for the Future
In Cobb Schools, literacy is the foundation of student success.
Reading strengthens critical thinking, builds knowledge, and supports learning across every subject. But just as important, it helps students develop curiosity about the world around them. That curiosity fuels innovation, creativity, and problem-solving skills.
Events like Read Across Cobb highlight the district's commitment to helping every student grow as a reader. They also demonstrate how powerful community partnerships can be in supporting students.
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