“Remember when you’re telling the truth, you gotta sweeten it with love,” Dr. Aaron Cornman advised first graders at Lake Road earlier this month.
The morale the superintendent shared came from one of his long-time favorite children’s books to read to young students, “The Honest-To-Goodness Truth” by Patricia C. McKissack. Cornman served as one of multiple guest readers on Monday through Friday, March 4-8, during Read Across America week celebrated across campus.
“We believe having guest readers like you encourages reading and fosters a sense of community engagement and support for education,” wrote Lake Road Principal Rondi Vaughn in her call for readers. “…Whether it’s a classic tale, a modern adventure or a personal favorite, your selection will leave a lasting impression on our students.”
Harkening back to his early career as an elementary teacher and later principal, Cornman also spoke with fourth graders about the book that helped him overcome his apprehension toward reading as a boy: “Hatchet” by Gary Paulsen. “Reading is the fundamental building block of getting an education,” Cornman stated during a subsequent Q&A.
Additional activities that took place at Lake Road included dress-up days to correspond with a Dr. Seuss book; visits by school partners dressed as “The Cat in the Hat” and “Pete the Cat;” a special “Green Eggs and Ham” breakfast; and an observance of Drop Everything and Read (DEAR) Day, according to organizer Terri Foulks, library media specialist.
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Cutline: R-I Superintendent Dr. Aaron Cornman reads “The Honest-To-Goodness Truth” to teacher Leslie Riefle’s first grade class on Tuesday, March 5, at Lake Road Elementary.