Read Across SMSD April 2026: Grow Your Circle

Building connections often begins with something simple like a shared story, a kind word, or even a letter. Reading helps us understand one another, opening doors to new perspectives and meaningful relationships.

This April, Read Across SMSD focuses on the theme Grow Your Circle- encouraging students to develop and deepen relationships through kindness, active listening, and shared experiences. 

The elementary book this month is Dear New Friend by Taraneh Matloob. In this story, a young boy writes a letter to a new friend. He shares all about his family traditions, favorite foods, and games, offering a glimpse into his life and the customs of his Persian family. 

Recently, students at Lenexa Hills Elementary explored the idea of connection in a meaningful way through a schoolwide mailbox project led by media specialist Gwenn Krell.

Sixth grade students began by researching countries from around the world, sharing what they learned with younger students across the school. Inspired by these presentations, younger classes created mailboxes, opening the door for students to exchange letters and learn more about one another.

Students took on the responsibility of collecting and delivering letters, ensuring that every student received a message.

“It’s fun to get mail,” shared Gia, sixth grader at Lenexa Hills. “And we made sure that everyone got a letter.”

For many students, the experience of receiving a letter was especially meaningful.

“It made me feel happy when someone wrote to me,” explained Isabella. “I liked writing back and learning about them too.”

Through this project, students weren’t just practicing writing skills, they were growing their circles.

“This project helped us build our school community and connections with other students,” shared Jean. “It’s important to connect with each other, but also with the world.”

These simple exchanges created moments of joy, understanding, and inclusion throughout the school.

Laura Harsch from the Shawnee Mission Education Foundation, who joined students for this month’s Read Across SMSD feature, reflected on the impact of these efforts.

“Something as simple as writing a letter can bring people together,” she said. “It helps us learn from one another and reminds us that we all belong.”

About Read Across SMSD

Read Across SMSD is modeled after the National Read Across America program and is led in partnership with NEA-Shawnee Mission and the Shawnee Mission Education Foundation. Access to books for Shawnee Mission students is made possible through the Shawnee Mission Education Foundation. 

Click here for the Read Across SMSD webpage, featuring resources from previous years, archive videos, and more information about the program. 

NEA Book List

Elementary: Dear New Friend by Taraneh Matloob

Middle Grade: Deer Run Home by Ann Clare LeZotte

Young Adult: The Art Thieves by Andrea L. Rogers