Belair Elementary celebrates National Pre-K Week with community reading event

Belair Elementary Pre-K students in superhero costumes walk down the hall during a parade. Photo by Drew Wall

Date: October 09, 2025

Belair Elementary School celebrated National Pre-K Week Wednesday morning with a literacy-themed community event that brought families, district leaders and local guests together for story time, classroom activities and a school-wide parade.

The event, titled “On With the Show!,” served as the grand-finale celebration for Richmond County School System’s week-long recognition of early-learning programs. 

Assistant Superintendent of Administrative Services, Dr. Shontier Barnes, reads to pre-K students during the school’s “On With the Show!” literacy event celebrating National Pre-K Week on Oct. 8, 2025. Photo by Drew Wall.

Emphasizing early literacy

Belair Elementary School Principal Shetina Roulhac said the morning’s activities underscored the district’s focus on building a strong foundation for reading.

“Literacy is super important to us here at Belair, as it is for the Richmond County School System,” Roulhac said. “Physical books are absolutely important. We want kids to understand where the author is located, the table of contents, pictures, and how to use different words and headings to engage and draw conclusions.”

A “superhero” theme for learning

This year, the district adopted a superhero theme to inspire students and families. Many of Belair’s pre-K students arrived in colorful capes and masks, representing the power of learning and imagination.

“We want the kids to enjoy school, have a love for school and understand that they can unlock so much,” Roulhac said. “Each one of them is a superhero, and we want to unlock the potential and superpower inside of each child.”

Students in superhero capes work on classroom reading activities as district and community leaders visit during Belair Elementary’s National Pre-K Week celebration. Photo by Drew Wall.

Families join the fun

Parents and caregivers joined the classrooms for reading sessions before cheering on students during the “Pre-K Parade,” where children proudly marched through the halls lined with supporters. Following the parade, families gathered outdoors for a cookout featuring games, music and food.

The event highlighted Belair Elementary’s ongoing commitment to early literacy, family engagement and community partnership, key pillars of Richmond County School System’s early-learning initiatives.

Watch: Belair Elementary students march through the halls during the school’s superhero-themed “Pre-K Parade.” Video by Drew Wall.

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