Santa Maria-Bonita School District students celebrate Read Across America with activities like dressing up as book characters such as 'The Cat in the Hat." (Courtesy photo)
Santa Maria-Bonita School District students celebrate Read Across America with activities like dressing up as book characters such as ‘The Cat in the Hat.” (Courtesy photo)

The Santa Maria-Bonita School District (SMBSD) is celebrating Read Across America with guest readers and activities planned across the district.

Read Across America, held nationwide each March 2 and hosted by the National Education Association (NEA), has a rich history in the SMBSD.

The titles and resources featured by NEA’s Read Across America include books that students can see themselves reflected in, as well as books that allow readers to see a world or a character that might be different from them.

A number of SMBSD schools are again hosting Read Across America activities next week, including spirit dress-up days, along with guest readers. Community leaders from throughout the Santa Maria Valley will be visiting schools to read to students.

Launched in 1998 by the NEA and guided by a committee of educators, NEA’s Read Across America is the nation’s largest celebration of reading.

The year-round program focuses on motivating children and teens to read via events, partnerships, and reading resources that are about everyone, for everyone.