On Friday, Ross Elementary celebrated its 19th Annual Book-a-Share, a tradition that brings community members into classrooms to read with students and share the work they do across Lancaster. Each year, the event gives students a meaningful opportunity to meet new role models, hear new stories, and learn about careers they may one day pursue. What began almost two decades ago as a simple literacy activity has grown into a signature event that strengthens connections between Ross students and the wider Lancaster community.
Principal Melinda Vázquez-Markley shared that the heart of the event has always been the same. “We have the event to invite community members and stakeholders into Ross Elementary to talk about who they are, what they do, and share the love of reading with our students,” she explained. Her hope is that students not only listen to a story but also build early relationships with the adults who help shape the Lancaster community.
This year’s Share-a-Book carried a theme inspired by Hanukkah. Ross chose to highlight the holiday to continue its intentional focus on inclusion and cultural representation. “We always want to do something special,” Principal Vázquez-Markley said. “Last year’s theme and this year’s theme are both about bringing attention to the different traditions, religions, and cultures represented in our school. We have Jewish students here, and this is a chance to honor that part of our community.”
As volunteers stepped into classrooms with their chosen books, students listened closely. Some stories focused on friendship and bravery. Others explored traditions, family celebrations, and the idea that light can shine even in challenging times. Each reading became a moment of learning and reflection, inviting students to see how stories and cultural traditions shape the world around them.
For Principal Vázquez-Markley, the purpose of Share-a-Book extends beyond the stories. She hopes students walk away feeling engaged and curious. “I just hope that they have fun meeting our guests. I hope they ask questions. And I hope they enjoy simply sitting and listening to a book in a setting that feels different and special,” she said. She added that the shift in environment helps deepen students’ love of reading and allows them to experience it in a new way.
Beyond the joy it brings students, Share-a-Book also creates a rare moment of connection among the volunteers themselves. Before heading into classrooms, community members gather in a shared space where conversations flow easily. “It always feels like a small family reunion,” Principal Vázquez-Markley reflected. “People catch up, check in with one another, and make work connections. It’s a good time for everyone, not just the students.”
The 19th Annual Share-a-Book reflected exactly what makes Ross Elementary such a special part of the School District of Lancaster. It blended literacy, cultural awareness, and genuine relationship-building into a single morning. Students discovered new stories. Volunteers shared their work and their experiences. Staff continued a tradition that ties together nearly two decades of community engagement.
Kudos to the staff of Ross Elementary, and every volunteer who made this year’s Share-a-Book possible. Their willingness to give their time ensured that students experienced a morning filled with learning, connection, and the warmth of a tradition that continues to grow. For more photos, visit us on Facebook.
