Manhasset Elementary Schools Host 'Guess Who's Coming to Read?' Events

Community members from diverse backgrounds visit classrooms to share their love of reading with students.

Published on Mar. 1, 2026

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Students at Manhasset Public Schools' Munsey Park Elementary and Shelter Rock Elementary were excited to welcome a variety of community members, including police officers, doctors, bakers, athletes, and more, for the annual 'Guess Who's Coming to Read?' event organized by the Manhasset School Community Association. The mystery readers shared insights about their careers and the importance of literacy before reading aloud to the captivated students.

Why it matters

These 'Guess Who's Coming to Read?' events help foster a love of reading in young students by exposing them to diverse role models from the community who emphasize the value of literacy. The events also strengthen connections between the schools and the broader Manhasset community.

The details

The two-day event on February 11 and 12 featured a wide range of guest readers, including Town of North Hempstead Supervisor Jennifer DeSena, Interim Superintendent of Schools Christopher Pellettieri, a specialized therapy dog and handler from the NYPD, and a representative from the Science Museum of Long Island. Each guest reader shared insights about their career and personal journey, explaining how reading has shaped their lives before reading a favorite book aloud to the students.

  • The 'Guess Who's Coming to Read?' events took place on February 11 and 12, 2026.
  • The events have been an annual tradition organized by the Manhasset School Community Association.

The players

Manhasset Public Schools

The school district that includes Munsey Park Elementary and Shelter Rock Elementary, where the 'Guess Who's Coming to Read?' events were held.

Manhasset School Community Association

The organization that has been annually hosting the 'Guess Who's Coming to Read?' events to connect the schools with the broader Manhasset community.

Jennifer DeSena

The Town of North Hempstead Supervisor who volunteered as a guest reader for the event.

Christopher Pellettieri

The Interim Superintendent of Manhasset Public Schools who also participated as a guest reader.

Dionisia Mikalef

A New York Police Department Detective who brought her specialized therapy dog Kimi to visit a classroom.

Caitlin Orellana

A representative from the Science Museum of Long Island who brought a slithery guest named Blueberry to a classroom.

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What they’re saying

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

The takeaway

These 'Guess Who's Coming to Read?' events demonstrate how schools can effectively partner with their local communities to inspire students' love of reading by exposing them to diverse role models who emphasize the importance of literacy. The events strengthen connections between the schools and the broader community while also providing valuable learning experiences for the students.