Skip To Main Content
Once Upon a Reading Week at JFK
Two older elementary students read picture books with two younger elementary students

From Nov. 17–21, students at the John F. Kennedy Elementary School celebrated the building’s annual Reading Week with this year’s theme, “Once Upon a Reading Week.” The celebration included a variety of activities and special guests to promote a love for reading.

Reading Week featured presentations from two acclaimed children’s authors who visited JFK to share their passion for writing and inspire future authors. Prekindergarten through second-grade classes were treated to assemblies with Darren Sardelli, an author and poet known for his humorous rhymes. Students in grades 3–5 welcomed New York Times bestselling author Jen Calonita, whose catalog of more than 40 books includes the best-selling Fairy Tale Reform School and books in Disney’s A Twisted Tale series.

In addition to guest authors, JFK also welcomed several mystery readers—including parents, family members, teachers, and school administrators—who visited classrooms to read their favorite books to students.

Throughout the week, students enjoyed special activities such as buddy reading, where older students read to younger students, and pajama day, which is always a favorite theme day for students. Reading Week culminated with a “Happily Ever After” assembly in the auditorium.

Reading Week is an annual activity at JFK to support literacy initiatives and develop the students’ love of reading. The event is coordinated by Erin Vargo, library media specialist, and a committee of faculty and staff.

A group of people dressed in colorful, elaborate costumes stand in front of school lockers, creating a vibrant and festive scene.
Three young people, two girls and one boy, sitting together and smiling at the camera. They appear to be in a classroom or study area, with shelves and other furniture visible in the background.
A smiling woman in a colorful dress and hat stands in a library, surrounded by bookshelves filled with various books and materials.
Two young students, a girl and a boy, are standing in a classroom setting, holding books and smiling at the camera.
Two young girls, one wearing a gray sweatshirt and the other a pink shirt, are sitting at a desk in a classroom setting with various school supplies and materials visible in the background.
A group of young students sitting on a colorful classroom floor, with their teacher standing behind them, holding a book.
Four young girls, likely students, are sitting at a table in what appears to be a classroom or educational setting. They are engaged in some kind of activity, with various school supplies and materials visible on the table in front of them.
A large group of students, both young and old, sitting on the floor of a classroom filled with bookshelves, posters, and other educational materials.
A group of smiling children sitting at a table, engaged in various activities and surrounded by a colorful classroom environment.
Two young children, a boy and a girl, are sitting at a table in a colorful classroom environment. The boy is wearing a red sweater and the girl is wearing a leopard print jacket. They appear to be engaged in an activity or reading together.
The image shows three people wearing t-shirts with mouse-themed designs, posing together in what appears to be a classroom or educational setting.
A large group of young students, both boys and girls, sitting on the floor of a colorful and vibrant classroom filled with bookshelves, posters, and other educational materials.
Two young students, a boy and a girl, are standing in a classroom setting with shelves and storage containers visible in the background.
A group of people, mostly young adults, are standing on a stage in front of a large projection screen displaying the text %22When Will My Next Book Begin?%22. The stage is decorated with various props and decorations, suggesting this may be some kind of event or performance.
A group of young students, both boys and girls, sitting on the floor of a classroom surrounded by colorful posters, artwork, and other educational materials displayed on the walls.