At the school, lots of community members, teachers, community leaders and even police officers read to students from grades kindergarten through fifth. This event was part of Read Across America week, which always happens around Dr. Seuss’ birthday, March 2.

Connie Glasier has been organizing this event for years, so the school wanted to show their appreciation for her this year. Presenting a cake, gifts and all of the volunteers, Glasier was surprised and celebrated for her hard work.

“There are people that are great employees and certain people that are backbones to organizations. And you are a backbone to our organization,” said David Boyda, principal of School 5.

“Thank you, thank you, thank you… All right, now you have to go read!” said Glasier, dismissing the volunteers.

Connie Glasier, left, is honored for putting the event together.

Every classroom in School 5 had volunteers in it, with at least two per room, most having three. The volunteering readers were asked to tell the students about themselves, how important reading is and about their careers.

Officer Amy Nobles taught the kids she read to about being a police officer, as did officer Edwin Gomez and Chief of Police David Ortolano. Also present were Dunkirk Councilman Don Williams, County Legislator Bob Bankoski and Cassadaga trustee Cindy Flaherty.

With many more teachers, retired teachers and other volunteers on hand, the reading day seemed to be a success again this year.

OBSERVER Photo by Natasha Matteliano Dunkirk Police Chief David Ortolano reads at School 5 Thursday.