Thursday, October 1, 2026
Students and staff at Valley Stream 24 school district marked the end of Read Across America Week with a celebration at Robert W. Carbonaro School, hosting their second annual “Masked Reader” event inspired by the popular television show “The Masked Singer.”
In the days leading up to the main event, staff members visited classrooms to read aloud to students, dressed in elaborate costumes. As they listened to the stories, students were also given clues about each mystery reader’s identity. The daily visits built excitement throughout the week, encouraging close listening and turning the school into a hub of literary enthusiasm and curiosity.
“Events like ‘The Masked Reader’ bring learning to life in ways that truly resonate with our students,” Superintendent Unal Karakas said. “I want to thank our reading teachers and our library media specialist for creating such a joyful and engaging experience. Their creativity and dedication help spark curiosity and foster a genuine love of reading. I am also grateful to all our teachers, who support the development of literacy every day in their classrooms and help cultivate a lifelong love of learning for our students.”
The celebration culminated in a high-energy assembly featuring the long-awaited reveal. Staff members appeared on stage in costumes including a bumblebee, frog, shark and unicorn, while final clues were shared with the audience. Students responded with cheers and laughter as they eagerly guessed and then learned the identities behind the masks.
Blending performance with literacy, the event captured students’ imaginations while reinforcing the importance of reading. School officials noted that the dedication of the district’s staff helped make Read Across America Week a memorable and engaging experience for students.
— Angelina Zingariello
