Monday, schools across the district celebrated Read Across America Day, an annual nationwide event with a mission to promote literacy, in honor of Dr. Seuss’s birthday.
This event, created by the National Education Association (NEA), provides a great opportunity for teachers, parents and students to explore new books, participate in reading events and dress up as their favorite book characters.
At Parkside Elementary School, partner AGL Resources donated one new Dr. Seuss book to every student. First graders, gathered in the media center, let out a big gasp when they discovered the book was theirs to keep. Kindergartners in Ms. Williams’ class cheered when they heard the news. All K-2 students received a copy of “Look for the Lorax” and students in grades 3 – 5 received the chapter book, “Who is Dr. Seuss.”
Each book came with a sticker so children could write their name. AGL employees also hand wrote words of encouragement inside the cover, some were simple messages such as “stay in school” and others were inspired by famous Dr. Seuss quotes.
Principal Caitlin Sims dressed as the famous whimsical cat from “Cat in the Hat,” complete with whiskers and four-fingered white gloves! The day also featured parents who volunteered to read in class as well as arts and crafts in the media center.
APS students and staff celebrated reading across the district:
- Staff at Fain Elementary claimed “reading is our thing” on Twitter and posted pictures of their “Seussational” day.
- Kindergarten teachers at Mary Lin Elementary donned their best Seuss attire.
- Students at Hope-Hill celebrated by reading the coziest way possible… in their pajamas!
- Bethune Elementary students got creative with Seuss inspired arts and crafts.
- Thomasville Heights showed their Seuss spirit by decorating hallways and classrooms with colorful fish and tree decor. Was that a book-shaped cake too?!
- Cleveland Avenue Elementary students were treated to an entertaining reading of Dr. Seuss by Atlanta Fulton Public Library Librarian Vanessa Slaton.
About Read Across America: NEA, in partnership with Dr. Seuss Enterprises, created NEA’s Read Across America Day in 1997 to promote the joy and importance of reading and to celebrate the birthday of beloved author Dr. Seuss. NEA’s Read Across America has grown into a year-round literacy program engaging more than 50 national partners and millions of children, teens, and adults.
