Newark Students Earn Honors In National 'Reading Games'

Newark, NJ – Caution… the following story may make you want to go read a book.

The Newark Public School District and Learning Ally, a national nonprofit organization serving individuals with learning and visual disabilities, recently honored students at Louise A. Spencer Elementary School for their outstanding achievement in the 2nd Annual Learning Ally Great Reading Games.

According to a district news release, students at Louise A Spencer placed first in the state of New Jersey and in the top 10 percent of participating schools nationwide for the “most pages read,” with a total of 4,453 pages read throughout the competition.

Thousands of students in more than 300 schools across America participated in the national reading event. All of participating students had reading difficulties such as dyslexia, or blindness/visual impairment, which impacts their reading abilities, school officials stated.

“Because of their reading difficulties, these students are often times left out of book clubs and other mainstream reading programs, which can damage their self-esteem and cause students to fall behind in their studies,” school officials said.

“We are thrilled to celebrate the students at Louise A. Spencer Elementary School for their hard work and well-deserved recognition in the Great Reading Games,” said Christopher D. Cerf, Superintendent of Newark Public Schools.

“I am so inspired by my students at Louise A. Spencer,” said Anthony Dilley, a sixth grade language arts and social studies teacher at the school. “These children dedicated a great amount of time and energy towards this contest, and it’s so gratifying to see them being honored today for their hard work and dedication.”

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Photos via the Newark Public School District