Read Across America 2026

Another year of Read Across America is in the books!

On top of some very busy weeks at the State Capitol, it was great to get into the district in celebration of Read Across America! I had a great time meeting our youth across the 45th District. Here is a summary of my stops along the way!

Monday, March 9th: Griswold Elementary School and Veterans Memorial in Preston

I had a great day reading to the second grade classes at Griswold Elementary School and the third and fourth graders at Veterans Memorial in Preston. We read and discussed making green eggs and ham as well as what it means to be a hero. The kids had some great ideas to make the world a better place including no more wars, kindness to one another and no more homelessness. It was particularly touching seeing so many children of parents whom I went to school with during these same grade years.

Wednesday, March 11th: Voluntown Elementary School and Lisbon Central School

As part of Reads Across America, it was great partnering with my friend and president of Light the Way, Jessica Britagna, as well as Bay - Connecticut’s Water Safety Dog. Jessica, Bay, and I visited with Voluntown Elementary School’s third grade and Lisbon Central School’s second and third grade classes. I got to read “Stewie the Duck Learns to Swim” which highlights key water safety rules for children. Bay & Jessica did a great job emphasizing the importance of wearing life vests as well as Bay’s role as a water rescue dog. Once she finishes training, Bay will help people who find themselves in danger in the water.  The kids asked some amazing questions and they did a wonderful job with the renditions of Stewie’s song “Don’t Jump In Til You Learn to Swim.”

Friday, March 13th: Juliet Long School in Gales Ferry

My final read in 2026 was with Ms. Craig’s first grade class at the Juliet Long School in Gales Ferry. Thank you to Jessica and our four-legged pal Bay for the fun and very important water safety presentation. The kids were great and I loved seeing all the wonderful interactions between them and Bay. I also want to thank the kids for their opinions and comments regarding the pending legislation before the legislature on requiring children to wear life jackets while on a dock in CT. Special shout out to the Duchess for securing us a copy of “Stewie the Duck Learns to Swim” with lighting speed so we could share his story and song with the children throughout the 45th!