During Read Across America Week, schools across the School District of Lancaster celebrate the power of reading and the many ways literacy can bring people together. At Wickersham Elementary School, that celebration extended beyond the classroom walls as families gathered for a recent Literacy Night designed to highlight the joy of reading while encouraging students and families to create stories of their own on Tuesday, March 3.
The event welcomed Wickersham families into the school for an evening focused on reading and writing. The goal was to create an interactive experience where literacy could be shared between students and their families while demonstrating how books can inspire creativity and storytelling at home.
A special highlight of the evening was a guest reading from Lancaster Mayor Jaime Arroyo, who joined students and families to read the children’s book I Like Myself. Mayor Arroyo read the story in both English and Spanish, allowing families from across the Wickersham community to fully engage with the book and its message of individuality and self-acceptance.
After the reading, students and families transitioned from readers to writers. Using I Like Myself as a mentor text, families worked together to write original stories around the theme “I Like Wick.” The activity encouraged students to reflect on what they love most about Wickersham ES while also modeling how families can use books as inspiration for writing activities at home.
Throughout the evening, classrooms and gathering spaces filled with conversation and creativity as families brainstormed ideas, drafted their stories, and shared reflections about their school community. Students wrote about their favorite teachers, the friendships they have formed, the activities they enjoy, and the ways their school helps them feel supported and encouraged every day.
Principal Resident Brett Hoffman said the event was designed to celebrate both literacy and the unique spirit of the Wickersham community.
“The goal of the event was not only to celebrate Read Across America Week, but also to honor our Wickersham community and what we value most about it through literacy,” Hoffman said. “I am hopeful that families left with meaningful ideas for how to use books as models for writing at home and felt inspired to engage in literacy practices together as a family.”
For Mayor Jaime Arroyo, participating in the event was an opportunity to connect directly with students and highlight the role literacy plays in strengthening communities.
“It was a privilege to spend time with Wickersham students and families celebrating reading,” Arroyo said. “Sharing the story in both English and Spanish was important because it reflects the diversity of Lancaster and ensures more families can be part of the experience. When students see their families reading, writing, and learning alongside them, it reinforces just how powerful literacy can be.”
Wickersham Principal Abby Rivera said the evening demonstrated the importance of creating opportunities for families to be actively involved in learning.
“At Wickersham, literacy is about more than reading words on a page,” Rivera said. “It’s about helping students find their voice and understand that their ideas and experiences matter. Seeing families come together to write stories about what they love about their school was a powerful reminder of the pride and connection that exists within our community.”
Read Across America Week is a nationwide initiative that encourages schools and communities to celebrate reading and promote a lifelong love of literacy. Events like Wickersham’s Literacy Night highlight how reading and writing can bring families together while helping students develop the confidence and skills they need to express themselves.
Through shared stories, collaborative writing, and a celebration of their school community, Wickersham families experienced firsthand how literacy can strengthen connections and inspire learning that continues far beyond the classroom. For more photos, visit us on Facebook.
