By Plamena Quintavalla, Bronxville School Reporter for Syntax

Jun. 1, 2016:  Bronxville Elementary School students hosted close to 30 members of the community, including first responders, teachers, and administrators, during the second annual Read Aloud Day on May 20.  

With a book in hand, each guest reader greeted the students, explained what his or her role is in the community, and read a story from a beloved book.

"This event was a wonderful way to bring the community together and share their love of books," said Principal Tricia Murray, who read a book to a third-grade class. "It also gives the students the opportunity to learn how others in the community help them on a daily basis."

Among the readers was MyhometownBronxville's own senior reporter, Carol Bartold. She read to Ms. Figueroa's fourth-grade class and had selected Escaping the Titanic: A Young Girl's True Story of Survival by Marybeth Lorbiecki and illustrated by Kory Heinzen. This was a serendipitous choice, because, as Carol discovered when she got to the class, the students had studied the Titanic and already knew a lot about its sinking. 

Other readers were Director of Technology Jennifer Forsberg, Assistant Superintendent of Schools Dr. Rachel Kelly, Director of Curriculum and Instruction Dr. Mara Koetke, Bronxville Elementary School Assistant Principal Adrienne Laitman, Bronxville High School Principal Ann Meyer, Superintendent of Schools Dr. David Quattrone, and school librarian Erin Schirota, as well as teachers, parents, and Bronxville Board of Education trustees. 

Mayor Mary Marvin, Bronxville Fire Chief Michael Grogan, Bronxville Police Chief Christopher Satriale, and five police officers also read books to the students. 

"I've always enjoyed the opportunity to read to the kids," said Satriale, who read Oh, the Places You'll Go! by Dr. Seuss to a second-grade class. "Their attention to detail when you're reading the book is incredible and their reactions to the book and questions afterward are always nice."

He said he chose Dr. Seuss's book because of its important message to always persevere no matter what. "Good things come in the end for those who work hard and [the students] understood that," Satriale said. 

Pictured here:  Bronxville Chief of Police Christopher Satriale reading to students during the second annual Read Aloud Day on May 20. 

Photo courtesy The Bronxville School