Rockville Centre’s Covert Elementary celebrates summer reading outdoors

Students, families and staff enjoy an evening of stories, connection and literacy activities

Posted Friday, July 17, 2026 8:03 am

Covert Elementary transformed its lawn into a storybook setting on July 8, as parents, staff members and students curled up on blankets with their favorite books for the school’s first Summer Reading Night on the Lawn.

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Covert kindergarten teacher Tara O’Shea and first grader Audrey DeVivo explored the age-old question of sharing during Summer Reading Night on the Lawn, enjoying Mo Willems’ “Should I Share My Ice Cream?”

Melissa Baptiste/Herald

Aldemar Elias and his second-grade son, Thiago, ventured into the fascinating world of tarantulas, discovering the secrets of these eight-legged creatures together while sharing a memorable father-son reading moment.

Melissa Baptiste/Herald

Covert teacher assistant Lynn Woods captivated a group of students with a shared story time.

Melissa Baptiste/Herald

The children cooled off with sweet ice pops during the event.

Melissa Baptiste/Herald

The Carey family turned reading into a family affair.

Melissa Baptiste/Herald

Covert special education teacher Mia Picone, left, shared a heartwarming reading moment with Eileen Milazzo-Soto and 2-year-old Kenna.

Melissa Baptiste/Herald

By Brian Kacharaba

William S. Covert Elementary School brought families together under the summer sky on July 8 for its first Summer Reading Night on the Lawn, a community-focused event designed to celebrate books, encourage literacy and help students keep their love of reading alive during the summer months.

Families gathered on the school lawn with blankets and chairs for an evening of stories, connection and summer fun. Students, parents, teachers and school staff shared the joy of reading together in a relaxed outdoor setting, creating an opportunity for children to reconnect with classmates while continuing to build important literacy skills.

Covert staff members joined students and families in celebrating the importance of books and storytelling, helping make the evening a memorable way to strengthen the school community. The Summer Reading Night on the Lawn series gives elementary school families a chance to enjoy a shared experience while preparing students for a successful return to the classroom in September.

The district’s Summer Reading Night on the Lawn series will continue throughout the summer at other elementary schools. Riverside Elementary School will host its event on July 15, followed by Jennie E. Hewitt Elementary School on July 22. Floyd B. Watson Elementary School will hold its event on Aug. 5, and Francis F. Wilson Elementary School will conclude the series on Aug. 12.

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