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Shawnee Mission is thrilled to kick off the third year of Read Across SMSD in partnership with NEA-Shawnee Mission and the Shawnee Mission Education Foundation.
Everyone in our community is encouraged to join in this district-wide celebration of reading.
As we start a new school year, we know we will face amazing times, and challenging times. The September theme for Read Across SMSD encourages us all to “Tackle Challenges Together.”
The September Read Across SMSD elementary book selection is “The Coquíes Still Sing” by Karina Nicole González. In this story, a young girl named Elena survives a hurricane with her family members. It is a struggle to recover, but one way she gets through the experience is thinking about her roots and holding on to what she has.
Recently, Superintendent Dr. Michelle Hubbard visited Crestview Elementary. There, students followed Elena’s example by thinking about aspects of their school experience that might help bring a smile to their face during tough times.
Zion Rose, fourth grader, talked about how school helps her stay focused. “Being a student at Crestview helps me stay grounded and focused on the important things so I will be able to succeed.
Teachers at Crestview helped Anthony Portilla’s reading skills.
“At first I wasn’t the best at reading and it was really hard,” the fourth grader shared. “Through time, I have gotten better and better and the teachers have helped support me.”
Gael Zepeda, first grader, says school is much better with friends.
“When I fall down a friend can help me up and when they fall down, I can help them,” Zepeda expressed. “That’s what friends do.”
September Reading Resources
Read Across SMSD is modeled after the national Read Across America program and is led in partnership with NEA-Shawnee Mission. Access to books for Shawnee Mission students is made possible through the Shawnee Mission Education Foundation.
Here are the Read Across America September titles encouraging readers to tackle challenges together:
NEA Book List:
The Coquíes Still Sing: A Story of Home, Hope, and Rebuilding / Los Coquíes Aún Cantan: Un Cuento Sobre Hogar, Esperanza Y Reconstrucción
by Karina Nicole González
Iveliz Explains it All
By Andrea Beatriz Arango
The Moonlit Vine/Claro de luna
By Elizabeth Santiago
Click here to find out more and participate in Read Across SMSD.
Post your participation on social media using #ReadAcrossSMSD.
