Workforce Development Participates in Read Across America Day

To celebrate Read Across America Day, the Peninsula Workforce Development Center at Thomas Nelson held readings at two Williamsburg-James City County elementary schools.

"It was great," said Dr. Adrienne E. Cosby, a coach and adviser in Workforce Development.

Cosby arranged for several College faculty and staff members to perform virtual readings of nearly a dozen books to 14 classes at Stonehouse Elementary School and Clara Byrd Baker Elementary School.

Holly Herrick, an adviser in the College's culinary program, wore her ChefsGo uniform during her reading. Andre Sullivan showed off the different helmets he uses as a welder during his. Afterward, he discussed his profession with students during a question-and-answer period.

Cosby and Eddie Swain, also with Workforce Development, hope to participate in a similar program next year, and maybe even reach out to more school districts.

"It's certainly something we might want to explore," said Swain, who is the director of Professional, Credential and Continuing Education. "What I saw, it was fabulous."

The College also donated boxes of crayons and other supplies to the schools.

"(The College) recognizes the need to be an engaged partner with all community sectors in educating and training students with the opportunity to positively contribute to the Williamsburg, James City County, York County school districts," Cosby said.

At Stonehouse Elementary School, there were eight readings covering second, third and fifth grades. Books read were "Martin's Big Words" by Doreen Rappaport; "Raintalk" by Mary Serfozo, "What Does it Mean to be Kind?" by Rana DiOrio, "John Henry" by Julius Lester, "Do You Have a Secret?" by Jennifer Moore-Mallinos, and "Aunt Flossie's Hats (and Crab Cakes Later)" by Elizabeth Fitzgerald Howard and James Ransome.

At Clara Byrd Baker Elementary School, there were six readings covering K-5. Books read were "Aunt Flossie's Hats (and Crab Cakes Later)", "A Day in the Life of a Shoe" by Corrinne Callins, "What Comes in 2's, 3's and 4's?" by Suzanne Aker, "Doc McStuffins Cuddle Me, Lambie" by Disney, and "Of Thee I Sing: A Letter to my Daughters" by Barack Obama.