April 9, 2008 – The St. Thomas-St. John School District's will participate in the observance of School Library Media Month during the month of April with the theme "Join the Circle of Knowledge at Your Library," according to a press release from Acting Superintendent for the St. Thomas-St. John District Jeanette Smith.
"A special feature of the month is (D.E.A.R.) Drop Everything and Read Day, which is being held on Saturday, April 12th, in honor of Beverly Clearly's birthday. For those of you who are unfamiliar with Ms. Cleary, she is a former librarian turned author. She has written over 30 books for young adults and children. Some of her best-known characters are Henry Huggins, Ribsy, Beatrice "Beezus" Quimby, Ramona and Ralph S. Mouse," said Smith.
"Schools across the district, its administrators, teachers, students and support staff are being encouraged and in fact challenged to drop everything and read for 30 minutes on Friday, April 11, 2008. We further challenge the students to hold a second D.E.A.R. Day on its actual date this Saturday and spend a half an hour reading with their parents and other family members," added Smith.
