Students and staff at Brewerton Elementary School recently took time out of their regular schedules to take part in a special literacy event known as the “Reading Runway.”

During the event, classrooms paused instruction as students and teachers gathered in the school’s hallways to sit together and enjoy a few quiet minutes of reading. With books in hand, the hallways transformed into a shared reading space designed to encourage relaxation and foster a love of reading.

The event was part of the school’s “Soar Into Reading” initiative for the month of March, which focuses on promoting literacy and building excitement around reading throughout the building.

Brewerton Elementary librarian Corry Derschang said the Reading Runway also carries a special theme this year.

“We kicked off our R.E.A.D. Month activities with this event,” Derschang said. “The airplane theme is to honor our principal Mr. Bowden, as he is also a certified pilot, and this is his last year before retirement.”

The aviation-themed kickoff connects the school’s literacy celebration with a tribute to Bowden’s passion for flying and his years of leadership at Brewerton Elementary.

By coming together for a shared reading experience, students and staff launched the monthlong initiative in a way that emphasizes both community and the joy of reading. Brewerton Elementary will continue hosting activities throughout March as part of its “Soar Into Reading” celebration.