Our River Hawks Read program returned to the elementary school library last week! 

This program traces its roots back to 2022 when Library Media Specialist Jessica Mucci noticed that some elementary school students were expressing a disinterest in reading because they play sports, essentially suggesting that if you’re an athlete, you can’t be a reader, too.

Initially known as Avon Athletes Read, the program was rebranded last year as River Hawks Read to give more high school students the opportunity to participate.

We stopped by the library Friday afternoon to see sophomores Molly V.’sand James C.’s read-aloud session with Mrs. Wendy Dale’s first grade class. 

Molly and James answered a few questions from our first graders, who were particularly excited to learn that, in high school, students don’t have to walk in a line to and from classes and do so WITHOUT being led by a teacher. Incredible!

After the Q&A session, Molly and James read Corey Tabor’s Caldecott Medal-winning book, “Mel Fell,” aloud to Dale’s first graders. 

The book tells the story of Mel, a baby blue bird, who decides it’s finally time to fly.