Plymouth Elementary celebrates reading during Dolly Day on 9/25

At Plymouth Elementary School, students tumbled out of class and stumbled to the hallways to the tune of Dolly Parton’s song 9 to 5 for Drop Everything And Read. 

The event was part of the school’s Dolly Day, held on 9/25 (as a play on the title 9 to 5), where the school celebrated literacy and giving back to the community in honor of Dolly Parton.

“Dolly gave out books, and she loved reading books. She’s famous, because she sang the song 9 to 5,” explained Plymouth Elementary second grader Kairan. 

During Drop Everything And Read, the halls were filled with students enjoying reading independently and with their friends. 

“Dolly Day’s exciting, because we get to have so much fun and read so many books,” said Lucy, also a Plymouth Elementary second grader. 

To get into the spirit of the day, the children dressed in country western attire and brought in new or gently used books to give away. 

The donated books will be distributed to schools in the School District of Philadelphia in an effort organized in part by second grade teacher Jill Klein. “Knowing this school, we’ll have at least 600 books to donate,” she said. 

Dolly Parton encouraged generations of children to read, enjoy books, and share them with others. Through events like Dolly Day, the students of Plymouth Elementary School are able to continue that legacy.

Click here to watch a video of Plymouth Elementary's Drop Everything And Read!