Mary E. Griswold School Celebrates Read Across America and Raises over $2000 for PECK Library

Kensington, CT (March 21, 2016) –Each year, Mary E. Griswold elementary school celebrates Read Across America week, a nationwide reading celebration that takes place annually the week of March 2nd, Dr. Seuss’s birthday. Across the country, thousands of schools, libraries, and community centers participate by bringing together children and books. During this celebration, Griswold children enjoy special reading events and activities, and participate in Dr. Seuss inspired dress days, such as Cat in the Hat – wear a wacky hat day - and Cindy Lou Hoo crazy hair-do day. Special guest reader Representative Joe Aresimowicz happily joined in on the fun once again this year, even donning a yellow mustache on Lorax day -“Spending time with the children of Berlin is a wonderful reminder of why we work so hard for Connecticut’s young people at the Capitol”, stated Aresimowicz. “I love being able to visit with the students and even wear fuzzy yellow mustaches!” he laughed. “Representative Aresimowicz is great with the children! We love having him visit and model the love for life-long reading!” included school librarian Danielle Salina.

Illustrator/Author John Steven Gurney also visited the school for two days, meeting with all K-5 students in small groups to share his experiences as an illustrator/author, and lead drawing demonstrations. Griswold also hosted a Read-In featuring Gurney and Peck librarian Jennifer Needham, as parents dropped children off at the school for a 90 minute reading adventure. Needham shared - "Griswold School did such a wonderful job with this event, as always. The children were so excited to participate, as was I! Events such as this one prove that kids LOVE being read to and creating their own stories. I hope that families will encourage a life-long love of reading at home by reading aloud to their children and making sure there are always books available."

Each year, during Read Across America, Griswold students participate in a Read-a-Thon to raise money for an organization in need. “It is so important to teach our children that they are a vital part of their surrounding community, and that we all have a responsibility to give back to our community,”, voiced Salina. Weeks before the school launched their Read Across America plans, a disaster struck Berlin Peck library, the school’s local library. “Griswold families were very upset when they heard about the pipe burst at Peck library, and the damage that it caused. Griswold school wanted to help, and hosting a Read-a-Thon for Peck library was a great way for us to do just that.”, Griswold Principal Laurie Gjerpen said. “The Read-a-Thon was a win-win for all. It was a great learning experience for our children, and we were able to raise over $2000 for Peck library”, stated Salina. Representative Aresimowicz agreed - “Peck library is one of Berlin’s most cherished institutions. Most of us who grew up in Berlin, including myself, have childhood memories of story time at Peck library, whether it was at the original location or its current site, so it is not surprising that Berlin Citizens were quick to respond and find a way to make a difference. Donating to Peck helped make all of us feel that we were actively involved in restoring our beloved town library.”