Superintendent Raymond with Zenda Walker and Stephanie Harten

The second-graders in Stephanie Harten’s class at William B. Ward Elementary have been learning about various Black Americans throughout the month of February. On Wednesday, Feb. 16, the students had the opportunity to have Zenda Walker, author of “Zara’s Wash Day,” visit their classroom for a read-aloud, book signing, and photo opportunity. The students were very excited to meet an author in person, and learning about the history of where various hairstyles those of African descent may wear was very interesting.

Walker surprised the class at the end of the visit with a bookmark for each student. Second-grader Viviana Merlucci said, “I’ll cherish this bookmark forever!” Superintendent Jonathan Raymond also stopped by.