Read Across America is a weeklong event at the Manteca Unified School District, which promotes early literacy.

This annual tradition once again included themed dress-up days and other fun activities “to help encourage young learners to see reading as something enjoyable, effectively assisting with the important academic transition from ‘learning to read’ to ‘read to learn,’” said the school district’s proudtobemusd social media post.

Members of the school board got involved by serving as guest readers to elementary school students.

On Monday, Kathy Howe and Marisella Guerrero, both educators, read to students at Joseph Widmer Elementary School.

On that same morning, board clerk and Manteca Police Chief Stephen Schluer was at Stella Brockman Elementary School, where he read “Officer Buckle and Gloria” and Dr. Seuss’ “The Cat in the Hat” – he also provided important safety tips to students.

At Golden West Elementary School, board President Marie Freitas and Principal Tony Shah celebrated Read Across America Tuesday by bringing out the Book-Vending Machine – a small ribbon-cutting ceremony was held on the unveiling of this newest addition to the school.

Manteca Fire Department Engine Company 242 took time out to read to students at Woodward Elementary School while firefighters 1874 celebrated the reading event at Shasta Elementary School and Joshua Cowell Elementary School.

Read Across America, which also celebrates diversity, will continue this week with “Silly Literacy” for TK-2 students at Nile Garden Elementary School today (Wednesday) beginning at 8 a.m.

On Thursday, Brock Elliott Elementary School will have a character dress-up book parade for TK-3 students at 8:30 a.m.

Later that morning, the Lathrop Fire Department is scheduled to visit Lathrop Elementary School, where local firefighters are looking forward to reading out aloud to students from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.