California’s 24th annual ‘Read Across America’ event taking place March 2

California’s public school educators will join a nationwide celebration of reading on Wednesday, March 2, as they will meet with parents, city officials, firefighters and community members at events statewide for the National Education Association’s 24th annual “Read Across America” extravaganza.

On March 2, California Teacher Association (CTA) President E. Toby Boyd recommends adults take the “Reading Challenge” and post to their social media channels using the hashtag #IAmReading their favorite reads, be it personal or professional books. “Reading is a gift that cannot be measured,” said Boyd. “When children see successful adults reading to them, our hope is that they too see reading as a way to cultivate leadership.”

In Southern California, CTA officers will read books from California Reads, teacher-recommended books for all age groups. CTA’s California Reads site includes outstanding books and tips on how to make children better readers in eight languages. Get the full story about California Reads, reading tips, plus Read Across America/California Reads posters, bookmarks, and this year’s highlighted books on the CTA website.

SAMPLING OF CALIFORNIA READ ACROSS AMERICA EVENTS
Events with CTA Officers and other educators on Wednesday, March 2

• Los Angeles: CTA President E. Toby Boyd will be reading Write to Me, Gratitude is My Superpower, and Ben & Emma’s Big Hit from CTA’s reading program to 1st and 2nd graders beginning at 9:00 a.m. at Baldwin Hills Elementary School, 5421 Obama Blvd., Los Angeles. School contact: Jherie Murdock 323-937-7223
• North Hollywood: CTA Secretary-Treasurer Leslie Littman will read beginning at 9:45 a.m. to 1st graders and combined classes at Arminta Street Elementary School, 11530 Strathern St., North Hollywood. School contact: Deb Schneider Solis dschnedier@utla.net
• Whittier: CTA Vice President David Goldberg will read to 1st graders and combined classes at Carmela Elementary School, 13300 Lakeland Rd., Whittier. School contact: Carlos Rivera swtapres@gmail.com 951-205-5965
• Burbank: (March 3) The Burbank Teachers Association will be spotlighting the book Nigel and the Moon beginning at 11:30 a.m. at Edison Elementary School, 2110 W Chestnut St., Burbank. The event is the kickoff of a district-wide project that will roll out other books at other schools before spring break later this month. Contact: BTA President Diana Abasta (818) 846-1304 btapresident@burbankteachers.org
• Santa Maria: Students at Rice School will be wearing pajamas and having Green Eggs and Ham for breakfast. 700 Vickie Ave., Santa Maria. School contact: Ann McDaniel amcdaniel@smbsd.net
• Dinuba: Teacher Nadira Arreola at Lincoln Elementary School will be pairing her 3rd graders with kindergartners to interview and to select a book to read with. The kindergartners will write about the books they read and then read those writings to the older class. 850 N. Eaton Ave., Dinuba. Contact: Nadira Arreola nadiraa@dinuba.k12.ca.us

In February, Assembly Member Patrick O’Donnell introduced HR-90, a House Resolution recognizing March 2, 2022 as Read Across America Day and encouraging statewide celebration of the day.

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