READ ACROSS MADISONVILLE 2026

READ ACROSS MADISONVILLE 2026
10-Year Anniversary Celebration
Celebrating 10 Years of Growing and Cultivating Great Minds

John P. Parker Elementary School and its community partners will celebrate the 10-year anniversary of Read Across Madisonville 2026, an annual Cincinnati-area community event designed to promote literacy, strengthen families, and empower individuals through reading.

Join us for a family-friendly celebration hosted by John P. Parker Elementary School in partnership with Rising Stars of America, Madisonville Education and Assistance Center, Cincinnati Sports Club, and Peoples Bank.

Event Details
Friday, April 24, 2026
6:00 P.M.
John P. Parker Elementary School

This year’s theme, “Growing and Cultivating Great Minds,” reflects the school’s commitment to hands-on learning and healthy living. John P. Parker Elementary has taken a hands-on approach to teaching students the value of healthy eating and understanding the work involved in cultivating fresh produce.

The school sustains a long-standing student community garden that serves as a dynamic, hands-on learning environment for students from preschool through higher grades. This space offers meaningful opportunities for learners to engage with science, deepen their understanding of nutrition, and build a strong sense of environmental responsibility through real-world experience.

Gardening and growing food help children develop valuable life skills while fostering curiosity about the natural world. Through this hands-on process, students gain a deeper appreciation for how food is grown and the care, patience, and responsibility required to cultivate it successfully.

Key Reasons for Teaching Children Gardening

Nutritional and Physical Health
Children are more likely to eat fruits and vegetables they grow themselves. Gardening promotes healthier eating habits and introduces students to the full food cycle.

Cognitive and Academic Development (STEM)
Gardening provides hands-on lessons in biology, including plant life cycles and photosynthesis, as well as math concepts such as measuring, counting, and sorting. It encourages critical thinking, observation, and inquiry-based learning.

Social-Emotional Growth
Tending plants builds patience, responsibility, and self-confidence. Gardening can also be a therapeutic and calming activity that helps reduce anxiety and stress.

Environmental Awareness
Gardening fosters respect for nature and helps students understand ecosystems, sustainability, and environmental stewardship.

Motor Skill Development
Activities such as digging, planting, and watering support both fine and gross motor skill development.

ADDITIONAL EVENT INFORMATION:

Special Surprise Guest Speaker
The evening will feature a special surprise guest speaker, adding an exciting and memorable highlight to this milestone celebration—you won’t want to miss it.

Mistress of Ceremonies
Lacey Roberts, CEO and Founder of Grace Media Marketing and Consulting, will serve as the Mistress of Ceremonies for the evening.

Special Guest Appearances and Entertainment
The evening will feature special guest appearances throughout the event and music entertainment by DJ D Marsh, creating a lively and engaging atmosphere for attendees.

Activities and More
Bring the whole family and enjoy activities for kids, raffles, giveaways, a light dinner, and much more.

Registration
The event is free and open to the public, but registration is required.

Contact Information
For questions or more information, please contact:
Veronica Searcy at (513) 363-2900
Nicole Chambers-Cunningham at (513) 550-5976

Join Us
Come celebrate 10 years of making a difference in literacy, strengthening families, and empowering individuals through reading at Read Across Madisonville 2026. We look forward to celebrating this milestone with you.

Additional Details
Guests are encouraged to arrive early to allow time for check-in and to fully enjoy all activities. Seating may be limited, so a 15-minute early arrival is recommended. This is a family-friendly event, and all ages are welcome. Casual attire is suggested. Parking is available on-site and nearby.

See you there!

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Host or Publisher Rising Stars of America