Students at Belvedere Elementary School paraded through the building and outside, showing off their favorite books.
This was an annual event at the school, but this is the first time in two years it has been held because of COVID-19.
Librarian Amelia Clark understands why this event is so special, particularly this year.
“I have a son who is in third grade this year. And kindergarten was the last time he was able to do this. So, it’s been it’s, it’s kind of a bittersweet thing,” she said “It’s exciting. It’s exciting. The kids are excited; the staff is excited. It’s nice to be back to doing some of this kind of stuff again in a beautiful new facility.”
Belvedere Elementary is one of the numerous Aiken County schools with all new construction or major renovations and expansions.
Students released their pent-up excitement, marching to music pumped through the school’s sound system.
Celebrities, including Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs and Harry Potter, joined the students for the parade, which is part of the school’s Read Across America activities.
Although Dr. Seuss was represented, classrooms at every grade level picked any book they especially enjoy and dressed up as characters from the book.
This year marked the return of more than just the parade.
“I guess the thing that made me tear up the most this week is we were able to pair our big kids and our little kids back together again to do reading buddies. One of the kids stopped me in the hall yesterday and said, ‘Hey, I got to read with the big kids today. And I want to do it again. I want to do it again. When are we going to do it again,’” said Clark.
[adrotate banner=”71″]
She added the staff us working on activities that will bring the older students back to the elementary school to read with the youngsters.
Clark hoped the love of reading and books is something all students will take home.
“Reading with our children is definitely an important part of their lives and making sure that they are able to access the books,” she said.
Dana Lynn McIntyre is a general assignment reporter for The Augusta Press. Reach her at dana@theaugustapress.com
