Reading with the Mayor: Ridgewood Officials Celebrate World Read Aloud Day at Travell School

Village of Ridgewood Celebrates the 17th annual World Read Aloud Day

photos courtesy of the Village of ridgewood

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, Who had more fun on World Read Aloud Day—the Village leaders or the students? It was a close call at Travell Elementary School this week as Ridgewood’s top officials traded the boardroom for the classroom to share the magic of literacy.

On Wednesday, February 4, 2026, Ridgewood joined millions of readers across 170 countries to celebrate the 17th annual World Read Aloud Day. The global initiative, founded by LitWorld, highlights the importance of sharing stories to challenge the status quo and promote literacy as a human right.

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Mayor Paul Vagianos Inspires Kindergarten “Think-Ups”

Mayor Paul Vagianos visited Melanie Tormey’s kindergarten class, where the energy was electric. The Mayor sat down to read “The Think-Ups” by Claire Alexander—a whimsical tale about two sisters whose imaginations bring a house full of animals to life.

The students weren’t just listeners; they were budding investigators. After the story, the Mayor took part in a lively Q&A session, answering thoughtful questions about his role in the Village. The highlight for many? Mayor Vagianos handed out his official business cards to the excited young audience members, officially making them the newest “consultants” in Ridgewood.

Principal Lauren Carr joined the visit, noting how these interactions help students connect their classroom learning to the leadership within their own community.

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Village Manager Keith Kazmark Cultivates Friendship in First Grade

Just down the hall, Village Manager Keith Kazmark spent the morning with Natalie Tracy’s first-grade class. He shared the charming book “How to Grow a Friend” by Sara Gillingham, which uses the metaphor of gardening to teach children about the patience and care required to build lasting relationships.

The first graders had plenty of questions for Mr. Kazmark—ranging from the mechanics of his job to the inner workings of the Village. One thing everyone in the room could agree on? Their shared love for Graydon Pool, a Ridgewood staple that remains a favorite topic even in the middle of winter!

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Why World Read Aloud Day Matters

World Read Aloud Day (WRAD) isn’t just a fun break from the standard curriculum; it’s a global movement. By reading aloud, leaders like Mayor Vagianos and Keith Kazmark help:

• Model Literacy: Showing that reading is a lifelong skill used in every profession.

• Build Connection: Creating a shared experience through storytelling.

• Boost Vocabulary: Introducing students to new concepts and complex language in a fun, low-pressure environment.

Whether it was through virtual events via Scholastic’s Storyvoice or these meaningful in-person visits at Travell, the day served as a powerful reminder that “the more you read, the more things you will know.”

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