By Juliette Funes

Pomona – Students at Pomona Unified’s Westmont Elementary School participated in a nationwide effort to “Read the Most Coast to Coast,” on Fri., Feb. 27. They were among hundreds of thousands of students across the nation who joined in this fourth annual reading celebration.

The event took place from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., and launched Read Across America, a week-long celebration of literacy in honor of Dr. Seuss.

“Read the Most Coast to Coast” is a fun-filled event that enables students at multiple grade levels to join in a shared reading challenge,” Principal Cynthia Badillo said. “Students are engaging in valuable reading practice, all while taking part in an event that joins students across the country in a collaborative effort focused on reading. We’re so proud of our students.”

“Read the Most Coast to Coast” celebrated reading with a one-day event that encouraged students to read as much as possible. In 2013-14, students set a new one-day record of 4,987,949 books read. Students also completed Accelerated Reader quizzes on the books they read.

At Westmont, as many as 380 students joined in this shared effort. They wore pajamas for the day to maximize comfort during their read-a-thon. Big buddies paired with younger students, and all students who participated received a Certificate of National Participation.

“Our students, all of whom participate in Accelerated Reader, have strengthened their reading and literacy skills, and this celebration is a great opportunity to showcase to the nation how well-read PUSD students are,” Superintendent Richard Martinez said.

The Accelerated Reader program enables teachers to manage independent reading practice. Students read books at the appropriate level and then take a quiz to show they understood what they’ve read.