Spending a day with Dr. Seuss
The words of the famous Dr. Seuss rang in another year of promoting literacy across America this month, and community schools did their part to make sure reading was a central theme for the day.
“The focus of the day is both the importance of reading and giving students an opportunity to take a look at different careers,” said Kirsten Spallino, principal of Cobblestone Elementary School.
The Plumas Lake Elementary School District was one of thousands across the country participating in the annual Read Across America celebration on March 3. This celebration is sponsored by the National Education Association, which is in its 11th year of helping to focus the country’s attention on how important it is to motivate children to read, in addition to helping them master basic skills.
“Every year on Read Across America Day, the imaginations of millions of youngsters are ignited with the invigorating and electrifying magic that happens when they open up a good book,” NEA President Reg Weaver said in a statement. “As we light these fires in the minds of young students,
we have a responsibility to cultivate the flames to develop life-long learners. Read Across America is not just about one hour or one day of reading, but a lifetime of good reading habits that will translate into academic success.”
More locally, Cobblestone Elementary, along with its other district counterparts, emphasized reading as part of its celebration. The school began its day of celebration by having the district superintendent for the district, Dionne Bielby, read a book during a schoolwide assembly.
The NEA launched the Read Across America as part of a nationwide reading celebration to take place each year on or near March 2, the birthday of beloved children’s author Dr. Seuss (Theodore Geisel), who epitomizes a love of learning. As part of this continued celebration and to emphasize the mark that Dr. Seuss left on children everywhere, the schools continue to ensure Dr. Seuss plays a large role in the day. The “Cat in the Hat” made its appearance at Cobblestone this year and students all sang him a round of “Happy Birthday.”
Following the initial birthday kickoff, students were surrounded by multiple reading opportunities throughout the day, including guest speakers in each classroom sharing their career experiences and reading to the students. Additionally throughout the day, the schoolwide loudspeaker
could be heard asking students and teachers alike to drop what they were doing and pick up a book and read, all the activities adding to the fun and
festive mood of the day.
“I had great teachers who helped plan and organize the event for our school this year,” said Spallino. “My hope is that we will be able to continue this event each year ensuring that reading is a priority for our students.”
Plumas Lake Life correspondent Michele Perrault can be reached at 483-3664 or e-mail her at mperrault@plumaslakelife.com.
