Last week, Barnes Elementary combined Read Across America Week with Women’s History Month, highlighting women who changed the world through courage, intelligence, creativity, and leadership. The celebration connected the power of literacy with building students’ confidence, curiosity, and hope for the future.
Throughout the week, students explored daily themes honoring remarkable women—from STEM stars and trailblazers to artistic icons, sporting legends, and personal heroes who inspire them.
Classrooms brought these stories to life in creative ways. Mrs. Coy introduced students to artist and designer Mary Blair, whose imaginative style helped shape Disney’s It’s a Small World After All. Ms. Shockley’s first graders learned about the groundbreaking achievements of tennis legend Billie Jean King. To wrap up the week, Mrs. Stevens and Ms. Hennessey dressed as Rosie the Riveter, celebrating the strength and determination symbolized by the famous “We Can Do It!” message.
For Principal Seth Peck, the week also sparked meaningful conversations with students.
He recalled a moment when several fifth graders asked if he knew that girls in some parts of the world are not allowed to attend school.
“That moment,” Peck said, “is exactly why literacy matters. First we learn to read… then we learn about the world.”
At Barnes Elementary, that learning is helping students see both the possibilities ahead of them—and the power they have to shape the future.