Our Wildwood, Volume 54

Celebrating Stories: Wildwood’s Read-a-Thon Week Brings the Love of Reading to Elementary and Middle School Students

the Wild project, was written as a way to educate younger children and interrupt potential biases about religions they might not know about. In the CMI she spoke about her writing process and shared a homemade treat of moon cookies. Middle school students then spent time researching a religion they were curious about. Students also explored the world of zines with Humanities Teacher Megan DiNoia, using recipes and other inspiring elements to create their own zines on the topic of gratitude. Students were also treated to an author reading by none other than Christine Wheaton, upper school science teacher who’s also a published writer. A poetry walk around campus, coordinated by librarians Michelle Simon and Angie Oropeza, displayed favorite poetry selections from middle school faculty members and encouraged students to pause, reflect, and consider how language, imagery, and voice shape meaning. The CO:LAB was also filled with “book tastings”—specially curated tables for students to explore a new title or genre. “What stood out most this week was how reading became a shared experience—connecting students, teachers, and ideas across campus in meaningful ways,” said Jonathan Drummey, director of middle school. “Watching students engage so deeply with stories, ideas, and one another is a powerful reminder of how reading shapes not just academic growth, but empathy and connection.”

the week in a spectacularly spirited and comfy fashion! For many, the highlight was the week-long Book Fair, staffed by Wildwood Parent Organization (WWPO) volunteers, which transformed the newly renovated elementary library into an enchanted forest filled with hundreds of books to peruse. “There is something so special about the way literature brings our whole community together,” said Sarah Simon, assistant director of elementary school. “From seeing our students walk around campus in their favorite book character costumes, which spilled out over multiple days because they were having so

The 7th Annual Read-a-Thon week was bigger than ever, expanding beyond elementary to include middle school—bringing the love of reading to both campuses! At elementary school, the week kicked off with “Dress Up As Your Favorite Book Character Day,” with students stepping into the story and bringing their favorite literary characters—from Harry Potter to Princess Magnolia—to life. Other events included a Poetry Picnic Day, complete with a poetry slam performed by students, a Book Buddies Day, with students pairing up with their buddy classes to share stories, and Cozy PJ Day, which coincided with Jog-a-Thon, ending

much fun with it, to the thoughtful questions and discussions students had with mystery readers throughout the week—it’s all just magical.” Meanwhile in middle school, readers and writers took center stage. One student, upper schooler

Millie E. ‘29, shared her self published book as part of the

Contemporary Multicultural Issues (CMI) programming session. Her book, created for her 8th grade Into

OWW SPRING 2026

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