Throughout the week of February 16-20, 2026,  Mast Way Elementary School dove into an ocean of stories as the school celebrated Read Across America with a special nautical-themed week of reading adventures, thanks to the dedicated planning of Librarian David McCormick and the Read Across America Committee.

Baby pictures of staff are matched with their favorite childhood book

The week-long celebration kicked off Monday with Deep Ocean Day, inviting students to wear dark blue and explore the mysterious depths of the sea through literature. Tuesday brought Tropical Beach Day, encouraging everyone to bring sunny vibes as they read their way into new adventures.

Wednesday's Sea Creature Day celebrated sharks, dolphins, and all the incredible creatures students might discover in books, with students encouraged to wear clothing featuring their favorite sea animals. Thursday transformed the school into a pirate haven for Pirate Day, complete with swashbuckling stories and treasure-filled tales. Students were invited to dress or talk like pirates for the day.

The week concluded Friday with students wearing nautical or Mast Way-themed clothing to wrap up the reading voyage together.

Author Jamie Michalak presents to Kindergarten - Second grade students

Adding to the excitement, the school welcomed special guest readers throughout the week, including members of the UNH women's and men's soccer teams, the UNH dance team, and students from Oyster River High School's National Honor Society. Author Jaimie Michalak also visited the school during this special week.

A sample of the classroom doors throughout the school

Students also enjoyed creative hallway displays as classrooms decorated their doors as their favorite books.