Merced Union High School District

Atwater High School is joining forces with Amazon and Reading Heart to host its first ever Reading Extravaganza on Saturday, May 16th from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. at Atwater High. There will be free books, food and school supplies for families and local teachers while supplies last. The event is open to our local community, including Merced, Atwater, Winton and Livingston.

 

“We are incredibly excited to host this event and bring our community together for such a meaningful cause,” said Atwater High Associate Principal Alex Gonzalez. “This event is all about benefiting kids, especially those here in our county who may one day attend Atwater High School or any other MUHSD high school. We’re looking forward to welcoming future students and their families onto our campus, giving them an opportunity to experience the positive environment and community spirit that makes our high schools so special.”

 

Amazon and Reading Heart have partnered Turlock Unified School District to hold similar events at Pitman High in recent years. Amazon representative Craig Norris, who is an Atwater High alumnus, reached out to his alma mater about hosting an event at Atwater High. The Atwater staff jumped at the opportunity.

 

“Atwater High School has always taken great pride in our commitment to the community,” said Atwater principal Alexie Parle. “This event is a wonderful opportunity to support literacy while also bringing our community together in a positive and meaningful way. We are very excited to host this book giveaway and provide families with access to free books and valuable community resources.”

There will be 24,000 books ready to be given away on Saturday. There will be books for all ages and reading levels. Those attending should expect a fun, welcoming, and family-friendly atmosphere filled with activities and entertainment for all ages. There will be music throughout the event provided by a live DJ, along with local vendors, coffee, hot dogs, and water available for attendees. Guests will also be able to enjoy special attractions, including planes on display from Castle Air Force Base and a petting zoo. 

 

Guests will enter campus through the student parking lot entrance near the pool area. Upon arrival, each guest will receive a bag and then proceed down the walkway in front of the boys locker room and old gym, where books of all types and reading levels will be displayed along the pathway. Guests are welcome to take as many books as they would like to fill their bags.

 

As families continue through the quad area, they will also have the opportunity to connect with a variety of community partners, including the Castle Air Museum, Merced County Sheriff’s Office, Atwater Police Department, Atwater Fire Department, MCOE, MCBHR, and others.In addition, guests can enjoy free hot dogs and Starbucks beverages while supplies last.

 

“We want to encourage all children and families in the community to come out, enjoy the event, and take home some free books to help support and boost literacy,” Gonzalez said. “We are also inviting local teachers to attend and stock up on books for their classrooms and personal libraries so even more students can have access to reading materials. We hope everyone joins us for a fun and memorable day that celebrates education, community, and the importance of reading.”

Shawn Jansen is the MUHSD Program Manager Digital Media. He can be reached at Sjansen@muhsd.org.