Guest readers stopped by Daniel of St. Thomas Jenifer Elementary School March 7 for a Read Across Charles County event.

Read Across Charles County is an offshoot of Read Across America, a campaign that encourages children and teens to read. An initiative of the National Education Association, Read Across America was started in 1998.

In Charles County Public Schools (CCPS) guest readers — students, community members, parents, grandparents and family members — visit elementary schools throughout March to read selections to students.

Kenneth Myers, an assistant principal at Jenifer, said he has been a lifelong reader, delving into various genres. He shared a piece of advice with students. “The more you read, it helps with your writing,” Myers said. “So, reading is one of the best things you can do in the world, in my opinion.”

At Jenifer, Colleen Morris, treasurer for Maryland State Education Association (MSEA), and Cpl. Jennifer Brown of the Charles County Sheriff’s Office and the school’s resource officer, were among the guest readers.

Morris visited Karen Walker’s third-grade class with books donated to the school on behalf of the MSEA. She read “What’s Your Name,” a book written and illustrated by Bethanie Deeney Murguia. Brown read “Let’s Meet a Police Officer,” written by Gina Bellisario and illustrated by Cale Atkinson to students in Donna Toma’s kindergarten class.

Morris said reading will lead to strengthening of other skills. “You have to be a good reader, to be a good writer, “she said. “You learn people’s writing styles. Not every author writes the same way, do they? And you can learn from all of them. Then you can take it, make it your own, and create your own stories that other people will want to read.”

About CCPS

Charles County Public Schools provides 28,162 students in grades prekindergarten through 12 with an academically challenging education. Located in Southern Maryland, Charles County Public Schools has 38 schools that offer a technologically advanced, progressive and high quality education that builds character, equips for leadership and prepares students for life, careers and higher education.

The Charles County public school system does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age or disability in its programs, activities or employment practices. For inquiries, please contact Dr. Mike Blanchard, Title IX/ADA/Section 504 Coordinator (students) or Nikial M. Majors, Title IX/ADA/Section 504 Coordinator (employees/ adults), at Charles County Public Schools, Jesse L. Starkey Administration Building, P.O. Box 2770, La Plata, MD 20646; 301-932-6610/301-870-3814. For special accommodations call 301-934-7230 or TDD 1-800-735-2258 two weeks prior to the event.  CCPS provides nondiscriminatory equal access to school facilities in accordance with its Use of Facilities rules to designated youth groups (including, but not limited to, the Boy Scouts).