“Read Across America” was recently observed at Bells Elementary School. Staff and students got off to an early start for their “Readlympics” with a cafetorium full of students from every grade. School librarian Karen Criscillo hosted the “Opening Ceremonies,” which were highlighted by a “Parade of Nations.” The parade included 27 different countries, each one representing one of the Bells classrooms. Two students from each classroom paraded into the packed room, one holding the flag and other designated to explain to the student body which country the flag represents and reading a fact about that country to the rest of the school. The Readlympics are organized by Criscillo, with the help of several parent volunteers. Students are challenged to read as much and as often as they can.