Valley Road School spreads their love of reading across Stanhope

Each year, Valley Road School students in Stanhope join others across the country to celebrate Read Across America Week.

Students look forward to an exciting week full of many different activities and surprises that promote a love of reading. Past activities have included a visit from The Cat in the Hat, The Great Charger Race, a Green Eggs and Ham breakfast, peer-mentor reading buddies pairing middle school students with elementary students, and visits from community members who read their favorite books to the children.

This year, the activities looked a lot different because of the pandemic. The Read Across America committee held a scavenger hunt titled “Valley Road School Spreads their Love of Reading Across Stanhope!” Local businesses were invited to participate by housing the scavenger hunt’s golden tickets at their establishments.

On March 1, Netcong True Value Hardware, Napa Auto Parts, Dollar General, the Municipal Building, the Post Office, and Bell’s Mansion generously opened their doors to Valley Road students.

After each classroom was delivered their clue, students enthusiastically raced around town searching for their location. They followed clues such as...

“Reading gets our stamp of approval with every single letter”

“Reading gives you the tools you need to succeed while allowing you to paint a picture with your imagination.”

“Reading can be refined, grandiose and sophisticated giving you a taste of new experiences without ever leaving the pages of a good book!”

For each golden ticket found, the Stanhope Home and School Association provided the lucky winner with a Barnes and Noble gift card.

Students and their families said the activity was fun and gave school a feeling of normalcy.

Valley Road Schools looks forward to continuing the hunt during future Read Across America weeks.