Reading is fun.
That message was loud and clear at Van Holten Primary School on Monday morning, March 2.
Meghan Kipila, Van Holten’s enthusiastic and passionate Media Specialist, kicked off Read Across America Week with an engaging, energetic school-wide assembly on March 2.
Ms. Kipila and her crew of fellow costumed staff members delivered the message that morning by celebrating the joy and importance of reading.
Van Holten's students took the stage to share the many benefits of reading, explaining how it builds vocabulary, reduces stress, and helps develop empathy.
The assembly concluded with the much-anticipated annual Read Across America video, featuring Van Holten teachers dressed as characters from the movie Inside Out.
“The kickoff set a positive and enthusiastic tone for a week dedicated to celebrating books, imagination, and the power of reading,” Ms. Kipila said.
The packed Van Holten gymnasium included the school’s staff as well as three Bridgewater-Raritan Regional School District Board of Education members—Vice President Rebecca Hassouna, Jim Maloney and Barry Walker.
Van Holten Principal George Rauh shared his feelings about the importance of reading.
“Read Across America Week provides an opportunity for all members of our school community to teach and remind all students of the joy and excitement that comes from reading a good book,” Principal Rauh said. “Our faculty and staff have planned activities and events this week to encourage and engage students in reading. We want to make our students lifelong readers who have a passion for books.”
Ms. Kipila revealed that the staff enjoys the audience's reception.
"We all can't wait to see the reaction of the students on the day of the assembly!" Ms. Kipila reported.
Below are the Van Holten teachers who acted in the video
Anger was played by Brian Goteiner (art teacher)
Disgust was played by Roger Dalton (school custodian)
Anxiety was played by Kristin Laine (2nd Grade teacher)
Ennui was played by Allison Flanagan (4th Grade teacher)
Sadness was played by Paige Kemmann (4th Grade teacher)
Joy was played by Kelly Kokotajlo (2nd Grade teacher)
Gian Sari (music teacher) played himself
Meghan O'Connor (1st Grade teacher) played herself