Fashion Show Highlights Maple Grove's Read Across America Week

Schools across the country are celebrating Read Across America Week, including Maple Grove Elementary School, where teachers and students kicked off the celebration with a fun-filled fashion show Monday.

More than a dozen teachers dressed up as popular book characters and strutted their stuff in style for the student body.

And while the book character fashion show might have been the highlight of the week, other special events include:

• special guest readers including Mayor Michael Neitzke, a Greenfield police officer, a Greenfield firefighter and several middle school forensics students;
• themed dress-up days based on Dr. Seuss books;
• a book fair where students can purchase books, as well as a book exchange and donation.

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Eddy Ringsby, a reading and math specialist at Maple Grove, said a child’s aptitude for reading sets the student up for future success or failure, as statistics indicate children who learn to read and participate in reading early on achieve more later in life.

Also, reading opens up countless different avenues for students who embrace the activity.

"(Reading) enlightens them so much about the world that’s outside of their home and classroom,” Ringsby said. “They find out about how others live, react, and survive. When we can open up their minds to thinking more creatively due to their experiences and learning, they’re much more apt to be able to problem solve and find success when presented a challenging situation."

And let's not forget, reading is fun.

"With a book, newspaper, or magazine, they’re allowed the freedom to explore history, current events, or even a fantasy that wouldn’t be an experience on their own,” Ringsby said.