Students at Winthrop Avenue School in the Bellmore School District regularly show their excitement during special read-aloud days, when Principal Sally Curto visits their classroom to share a story.

Students in Ms. Cohen’s third grade class gathered around to attentively listen to Mrs. Curto on Sept 30. This year, Mrs. Curto is reading “The Marvelous Now” by Angela DiTerlizzi to students, which encourages students to pause, observe what is happening around them and respond thoughtfully to their feelings. The story’s lessons helped the Winning Star Leaders further understand the district’s Leadership Principles, such as “put first things first” and “continuous improvement.” Each read-aloud led by Mrs. Curto helps students realize their potential as young leaders and learners.