Read Across America brought a special event to Patrick  M. Villano School. There was a book reading challenge for the week March 6, 2024. Students in grades 4, 5, and 6 as well as the staff logged the number of books read on slips of paper over that five day period. The fifth grade won the challenge with a total of 203 books.

“I gave in about 22 slips,” Michael Urban, a fifth grader, said. “I was planning to give in more than 20 books. I am very proud the grade won, and I feel like I helped them win a bit. I loved every book I read and I’d read again.”

During the contest, many students and staff were invested in reading to win the contest. This book challenge ended with more than 450 books read by the entire school.

“The books I read were The Book Thief and I am the Messenger,”  Kathry Davies, a special education teacher,  said. “I think the contest is motivating and exciting and it’s a great idea to share book titles.”

Every book counted.

“I gave in one slip, and that was Dork Diaries,” Alexa Plako, a fourth grader, said.

Fourth grade came in second place with 187 books, and sixth grade 52 books. In fourth place was the staff with 36 books read total. Aside from the book challenge, guest readers came to each classroom and read to the students.

“My favorite part of Read Across America Day was probably the guest read aloud who was Mayor Danielle DiPaola,” Palko said.