The pre-k classes at Central Learning Center enjoyed various activities during National Children’s Book Week, Nov. 16-20. Each class adopted a favorite book, decorated doors to depict the theme of the books, and enjoyed other fun activities that explored each book’s story.

Celebrity readers were invited each day to spend time reading and talking to the students. Among them were: Jincy Allen and Shannon Kessler, Marsha Cornell, Dr. Michael Moore, Brenda Barrow, Randy Shearouse, Tracy Kieffer, Brenda Helmey, Terri Johnson, Santa Claus (Butch Kieffer), and Jennifer Serda of WTOC-TV.

On Friday, the celebration of the week ended with parents and staff watching as the students, who wore their “book character” costumes, were led in a book parade by a Springfield Fire Department truck, carrying Santa Claus and Jennifer Serda.

Also, Central Learning Central Pre-K has been collecting pennies for the “Million Pennies ... Million Books” campaign sponsored by Bright From the Start this year. The one millionth child will be enrolled in the Lottery-funded state pre-k program this school year.

The school also is commemorating this by logging books that are read to the children during the year.