National Read Across America Day (Dr. Seuss Day) 2016
Whether it’s our favorite cool cat, a set of slick sneetches, or a fiery red fox who rocks a pair of blue socks, the characters created by the beloved children’s author Dr. Seuss have helped create a love of reading for multiple generations.
On Wednesday, March 2, schools throughout Atlanta Public Schools celebrated Read Across America Day, an annual event that promotes literacy in honor of Dr. Seuss’s birthday. Dressed in colorful hats and outfits, there were many “Thing One and Thing Twos,” spotted on APS campuses.Several classes were treated to a special reading by APS’ very own superintendent, Dr. Meria Carstarphen, who read to eager students at Burgess-Peterson ES, Wesley International Academy and KIPP Strive Primary the latest released and a #1 New York Times Best Seller book, “What Pet Should I Get?”
All elementary school students dined on green eggs and ham to see if they too liked them. Volunteers joined in the fun around APS schools with read-ins and Seuss inspired activities throughout the day. Dobbs Elementary hosted a pajama party and featured the book, “I Am Not Going to Get Up Today.” At several schools there were some celebrity sightings such as Darren Eales, president of the new Atlanta United soccer team, who read to Connally students; Ferrari Simmons from V-103, who read to Peyton Forest; and actress Sharon Conley, who read to D.H.Stanton students. There were also scores of moms, dads, grandparents, community leaders and other volunteers visiting schools all over the district.
Beecher Hills hosted “Real Men Read” and invited men to come in and read to the students as well as hosted many volunteer readers throughout the day. Principal Crystal Jones stated, “Read Across America Day and Dr. Seuss’ birthday should always be commemorated. For most people, Dr. Seuss was the first author you read and it’s still that way to this day.”
With the theme “Hats Off to Literacy,” community partners from the St. James Lodge #4 Prince Hall Masons, Peace Chapter #146 Order of Eastern Stars, Helene S. Mills Senior Center, National Black Latino Council and The Wylde Center were served a green eggs and ham breakfast, and then escorted to Benteen Elementary PreK-5 classrooms to read the book of their choice. The celebration ended with Principal Vonda McKeever leading over 300 students, staff and reading volunteers in a literacy parade around the building. Benteen students and staff were dressed as their favorite Dr. Seuss character.
There were so many exciting stories shared via social media during Read Across America Day. For more highlights click here for our storify page.
