Photo by Karin Elton Marshall Public Schools Superintendent Scott Monson reads a book to Park Side Elementary kindergartners as part of Jumpstart Read for the Record.

MARSHALL — Marshall Public Schools Superintendent Scott Monson read the book, “Thank you, Omu!” by Oge Mora, Thursday morning to kindergartners in Amy Barker’s class at Park Side.

Monson was one of the volunteers who read to grades pre-K through second grade nationwide as part of Jumpstart Read for the Record. The event is an annual reading celebration that highlights the need for quality early education in America by mobilizing adults and children to set a record for the largest shared reading experience.

United Way of Southwest Minnesota coordinates this event throughout southwest Minnesota in schools, childcare centers, and libraries.

This year’s book selection tells the story of a generous elderly woman who makes a fantastic pot of stew. The scent of her stew travels throughout the neighborhood and by the end, she shares a lovely feast with her neighbors where everyone contributes to the meal.