Greenville Students Go 'Loco' For Reading

The last week of February was a busy one for students at Greenville School and across the district as they took part in Read Across America. 

With Principal Lynn Coco and Lead Teacher Brook Napoli working with the PTO and other staff members a week's worth of special activities were planned for the students.

The week included a Parent Literacy Night and Library sleepover. While the parents learned about the lessons the students were being taught the children had the chance to bring their favorite books and stuffed animals to the Media Center for a big pajama party. Coco said the feedback from parents was favorable as the school held the event for the second year. 

Not only did the week include activities for students of all ages, it also gave the older students from Middle School South a chance to work with the younger ones. The older students read books to the their elementary friends and also did different activities to reinforce what they were learning about. 

Even the building took part in the week as a door decorating day was held. The classes got a chance to vote for their favorites with each door decorated by book quotes, character traits and themes from books they were reading. 

The grand finale was a visit by author Dan Gutman who held three assemblies for the students, had lunch with a few and signed many of his books as memorable souvenirs. "Sharing his personal experiences of being rejected by many publishing companies, his message to the children was an important one... Never give up... always keep trying... even if you were rejected," Coco said. 

Greenville parent Steven Lemoine did the cover art for Gutman's book. The title of the book fittingly enough for the building is "Ms. Coco is Loco." 

Overall, Coco said the week was a success for everyone involved at her school. "The week-long celebration at Greenville continues to be one of the most exciting weeks of the school year for the children," she said.