March 1, 2019 – Students across Spring ISD joined others around the country on Friday, March 1 in celebrating the 21st annual National Education Association’s (NEA) Read Across America Day.
Scheduled each year on or near the birthday of well-known children’s author Theodor Seuss Geisel – better known as Dr. Seuss – the Read Across America program is expected to reach more than 45 million U.S. elementary and secondary students this year. The annual event, which also marks the beginning of National Reading Month, celebrates reading and promotes literacy for students of all ages through campus-based activities, interactive games and themed spirit days, costume contests, school assemblies, and special reading events held on campuses.
In Spring ISD, NEA’s Read Across America kicked off at several district schools with the celebration continuing throughout next week. According to Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction Khechara Bradford, one of the hallmarks of the event is the way it brings together adults and students to share their love of reading.
“It is important that all staff members in Spring ISD see their connection to literacy and are able to visit classes and share the love of reading,” Bradford said. “It is also motivational for our students to know that a network of adults are cheering them on as they reach their literacy goals. Learning is fun!”
On Friday morning, all Burchett Elementary School students in kindergarten through second grade began their day with a story book parade, followed by special visits from district administrators who read to students. Across the district at Beneke Elementary, teachers dressed up in Dr. Seuss-inspired attire, while staff members and community volunteers read to students in their classrooms.
In keeping with Read Across America’s mission to promote reading with students of all ages, special activities took place for middle and high school students. At Spring High School, AP World History students spent time listening to Dr. Seuss’s environmentally conscious story “The Lorax,” followed by activities and classroom reflection on themes from the book.
“Reading is critical for success in college, career and community leadership,” Bradford said, explaining that the event can have a positive impact on students from all grade levels.
Without limiting the celebration to one day, campuses have planned additional themed activities throughout the week of March 4-8 to keep students engaged and excited about books and reading.
For example, students at Jenkins Elementary School will take part in a “Fox in Socks” day on Tuesday by wearing fun, colorful or mismatched socks to school. Smith Elementary School students will wear orange on Thursday for their own “Lorax Day,” and students there will practice random acts of kindness on Wednesday in honor of Dr. Seuss’s “Horton Hears a Who!” and that story’s recurring theme that “a person’s a person no matter how small.” Meanwhile, at Marshall Elementary School, students will get to meet Dr. Seuss’s The Cat in the Hat in person when the beloved character pays a visit to the school on Tuesday to read aloud to each grade level.
Read Across America also serves as an annual opportunity to recruit staff and community members interested in volunteering with district schools, whether to read to students or to help out in other ways. More information about getting involved in Spring ISD – as well as a link for Volunteer Registration – can be found on the Community Resources webpage.