Head O'Meadow Elementary School celebrated the importance of reading with its annual Literacy Week, held this year from March 23-March 27.

A long-standing Head O'Meadow tradition, this year's Literacy Week was themed around "Celebrating 250 Chapters of America" in honor of the country celebrating its 250th anniversary.

The week kicked off with mystery readers from the community going to each classroom on March 23 and reading a pre-selected book to students.

A total of 18 different guest readers stopped by, including First Selectman Bruce Walczak, State Representative Mitch Bolinsky, News 8’s Laura Hutchinson, Assistant Superintendent of Schools Frank Purcaro, and Board of Education members Alison Plante, Doria Linnetz, and Shannon Tomai, among many others.

Each day of the week had its own special theme that followed the overarching "Celebrating 250 Chapters of America" motif.

March 23 was Red, White, and Blue Reader Day, where students were encouraged to wear anything red, white, and blue.

The following day, March 24, was Saddle Up and Read. Students were encouraged to wear denim, flannels, and general western wear to celebrate early California settlers.

Students wore bright and flashy stars and stripes for Stars, Stripes, and Storybook Stars on March 25.

March 26 was Read Across America, and had everyone wear a shirt with a place they have been to in America.

Last but not least was an exciting day for students: Cozy Across America. Students could dress in their favorite pajamas or cozy wear, and even bring a favorite book from home.

Everyone went all out for this day in particular, with students all dressed up in their favorite pajamas, eye masks, and headbands. Some even brought stuffed animals with them to join them in going to class.

However, that was far from all the week had to offer. Every day of the week had a corresponding author visit, with each author speaking to a different grade.

On March 23, C.M. Cornwell spoke to fourth grade students and read her book The Memory Spinner. On March 24 DJ Bianco read his book, Tim the Tiny Block, to first grade students, and Dori Marx spoke to third grade students on March 25.

Deborah Freedman read her newest book, Flowers for Mama, to kindergartners on March 26. This was special since they were the first ones to hear the book, since it was not published until March 31.

However, students also had something special in store for Freedman. Head O'Meadow Library Media Specialist Beth Murphy said the school's art teachers, Amy Bollard and Kim Hossler, came up with an activity in honor of Flowers for Mama.

Students made colorful flowers out of material such as cardboard while Freedman was there. They later hung these flowers up in the library for everyone to see.

Winsome Bingham closed out Literacy Week on March 27 by reading her book Fish Fry Friday to second graders.

=====

Reporter Jenna Visca can be reached at jenna@thebee.com.