By Amy Batista, Special Writer
The Cat in the Hat visited Perry L. Drew Elementary School last week. And the students were engaged and excited to have him visit.
That’s how Drew Elementary Principal Robert Dias described how the East Windsor Regional School District celebrated the 19th annual “Read Across America” event, created by the National Education Association as a time for reading motivation and awareness.
The well-known children’s book writer, Theodore Seuss Geisel, better known as Dr. Seuss, was celebrated and honored days after what would have been his 112th birthday March 2.
According to the National Education Association’s website, it had suggested classroom activities for teachers to “go wild for reading” to celebrate Dr. Seuss’ newly discovered book, “What Pet Should I Get?” In this guide, teachers found ideas for classroom-based activities and school-wide events that take advantage of students’ affinity for animals and Dr. Seuss’ talent for creating fantastic creatures.
“Students in grades 4 and 5, read to our younger grade levels,” said Principal Dias. “Students in grades K-3 worked on fun activities such as creating Dr. Seuss hats, reading Dr. Seuss books, and other crafts.”
He said it was a day full of excitement and reading.
Walter C. Black Elementary School Principal Samantha Felicetta said the school also celebrated Read Across America on March 2.
“Each classroom at WCB picked a different Dr. Seuss book,” she said. “The class read the book and did a craft to connect with the book.”
She said that the room parents came into help and the students had a great time.
“Throughout the month of March, students are tracking their independent reading at home,” she said. “At the end of the month, we will celebrate our readers.”
Ethel McKnight Elementary School Assistant Principal Anthony Aliperti said the students and staff at EMK had a terrific time celebrating Read Across America Week.
“We spent much time reading and learning about literacy in our classes and really enjoyed showing our support and love of reading by participating in EMK Read Across America Spirit Days,” he said.
He said that the themes for school’s Spirit Days included: Monday was Cat in the Hat day and the students wore red and white; Tuesday was Fox in Socks Day and students were asked to wear crazy socks; Wednesday was Wacky Wednesday and students were asked to wear mismatches and wacky outfits; Thursday was Crazy Hat Day; and Friday was Pajama Day in honor of Dr. Seuss’s “Sleep Book.”
Grace N. Rogers Elementary School Principal Heather Gladkowski said the school celebrated on March 4.
“The Rogers School had Character Dress Up Day in celebration of Read Across America Week,” said Principal Gladkowski. “Staff and students dressed as their favorite book characters and were treated to mystery readers in our special Reading Oasis room.”
The National Education Association is building a nation of readers through its signature program, NEA’s Read Across America. The year-round program focuses on motivating children and teens to read through events, partnerships, and reading resources, according to its website.
“From a child’s first foray into the depths of a story to an adult’s escape into a world of words, reading plays an integral role in our lives,” said President Barack Obama in a signed proclamation for Read Across America.
He said works of fiction and non-fiction alike pique interest and inspiration and shape our understanding of each other and ourselves, teaching us lessons in kindness and humility, responsibility and respect.
“The moment we persuade a child to pick up a book for the first time we change their lives forever for the better, and on Read Across America Day, we recommit to getting literary works into our young peoples’ hands early and often,” the proclamation reads.
