Milton and Osborn Elementary Schools Celebrate World Read Aloud Day

World Read Aloud Day, celebrated annually on the first Wednesday of February, highlights the importance of reading aloud and the power of stories to connect communities. On February 4, Rye City School District elementary students at Milton and Osborn Schools marked the occasion with engaging read-aloud experiences that brought together students, educators, families, and community members. 

At both Milton and Osborn Schools, the celebration extended beyond the classroom as students and staff dressed up as their favorite book characters.  

At Milton School, students participated in a variety of in-person read-aloud events throughout the day. Guest readers included Rye Firefighters Daniel Archino and Will Junior, Detective Justin Keeny, Superintendent Tricia Murray, Assistant Superintendent Lauren Santabarbara, and author David A. Kelly, each of whom shared stories with students and helped reinforce the joy of reading.  

Osborn School celebrated World Read Aloud Day with a school-wide schedule of read-aloud sessions, during which teachers welcomed guest readers into their classrooms to share favorite stories. Guest readers included Judy Conrad, a retired Osborn teacher; Claire and Sean Connelly; Dr. Kaitlyn Sassone, RCSD Director of Technology; Kristina Spinola; Alex Salvato; Police Officer Salguero; Elizabeth Ng from the Rye Free Reading Room; Jared Small; Carmen Lopez de Linero-Don Bosco; and virtual guest readers Jacob Grant, Heather Kinser, and Maria Marianayagam. 

The day concluded at both schools with a cherished tradition, as students returned to their previous year’s classroom to enjoy a read-aloud with their former teacher. This special moment strengthened connections across grade levels and highlighted the sense of community that defines Rye City School District schools.  

Across both Milton and Osborn, World Read Aloud Day served as a reminder of the essential role reading plays in learning and connection. By bringing together students, educators, authors, and community members, the celebrations reinforced the district’s ongoing commitment to fostering literacy, curiosity, and a lifelong love of reading.