Kenbridge Elementary School and Victoria Elementary School have partnered and sponsored a host of activities for students and families to celebrate reading and a childhood favorite.

The two schools have been celebrating their students reading “Charlotte’s Web” by E.B. White.

Students from all grade levels are reading the book, and each student received a free copy of the book they can take home with them.

“We are asking families to read the book and discuss it at home,” Kenbridge Elementary School Principal Lucy Hall said. “Once a week we ask a trivia

question over the intercom, and we encourage classrooms to discuss the answers.”

“Both schools were excited to offer this opportunity to students and parents,” Victoria Elementary School Principal Casey Jackson said.   

But the activities for “Charlotte’s Web” don’t only stay inside the classroom. On Oct. 11, students, teachers, parents and siblings took part in “Reading under the Stars,” an event at the Victoria Railroad Park.

During the event, which took place from 6-7 p.m., kids and adults read aloud, played games, made smores, had face painting and took photos with a photo booth. Special guests included Smokey the Bear and Virginia Department of Forestry foresters Amy Bigger and Adam Smith. A real life spider and pig, similar to the characters Charlotte and Wilbur, came to the event and wowed students. The animals were provided by Lindy Tucker, Agriculture & Natural Resources Extension Agent, Dillon Robinson, 4-H and Youth Development Extension Agent, who shared pictures of different species of pigs and Will Daniel.

“It was wonderful to see the community come together for such an inspiring event,” Victoria Elementary School Principal Casey Jackson said.

Hall and Jackson said this is the inaugural “Reading Under the Stars” event.

Jackson estimates that more than 400 kids and families attended the Reading Under the Stars program.

Jackson said “Charlotte’s Web” has been a book that kids, teachers and parents can connect with.

“We chose Charlotte’s Web because it is a great book for read aloud with a positive message,” Jackson said. “We will do various activities throughout the year related to the book such as trivia questions and celebrations.”