Idaho Hill celebrates Read Across America

Idaho Hill Elementary recently celebrated Read Across America with a morning full of stories, special guests, and excitement about reading. The annual event focused on encouraging a love of books while giving students the opportunity to hear stories read by members of the community and different staff.

Throughout the morning, guest readers visited classrooms to share some of their favorite childhood books with students. Each visit brought a new sense of anticipation as students eagerly waited to see who the next surprise reader would be.

“Students were incredibly excited throughout the morning,” said Savanna Bowman, Idaho Hill's first grade teacher. “Every time there was a knock on the door, they couldn’t wait to see who would be coming in to read the next story.”

Among the special guests was former Idaho Hill Elementary principal Susie Luckey, who spent the entire morning visiting classrooms and reading to students. Her continued connection to the school made the event especially meaningful for both staff and students.

School Board Member Margi Hall also joined the celebration, spending time with students and helping highlight the importance of literacy and community involvement in education. High school varsity basketball coach Tyler Douglas and two of his girls on the team also participated.

“Read Across America is a wonderful reminder of how powerful reading can be,” said Nancy Gregory, second grade teacher. “When students see members of their community sharing their love of books, it reinforces that reading is important, enjoyable, and something that can last a lifetime.”

In addition to the guest readers, students also received another free book as part of Idaho Hill Elementary’s monthly book giveaway. The school provides books to students each month to help build home libraries and encourage reading beyond the classroom.

“Providing students with books they can take home is one of the best ways to support a lifelong love of reading,” said Idaho Hill's Principal, Loretta Glazier. “We want every student to have access to books they are excited to read.”

The combination of community readers, engaging stories, and the opportunity to take home a new book made the Read Across America celebration a memorable experience for Idaho Hill Elementary students. Events like this continue to strengthen the school’s commitment to literacy while bringing the community together in support of student learning.

    Idaho Hill Elementary first graders are pictured enjoying their new books.
  

    Susie Luckey has second graders vote on which book they wanted her to read at Idaho Hill Elementary's recent Read Across America event.
  

    Former West Bonner County teacher and principal Susie Luckey reads to the second-grade class at Idaho Hill Elementary's recent Read Across America event.