Dr. Seuss is celebrated in local school
On National Read Across America Day, students, teachers, parents and community members around the nation came together to read books and celebrate the joy of reading.
C. Roy Carmichael Elementary School joined in on the fun Feb. 28, celebrating the beloved tales of Dr. Seuss and Read Across America Day, with the support of the Rotary Club of Portola.
This year, CRC hosted a Dr. Seuss character dress up day, with students attending in a wild array of whimsical pajamas. Every class “dropped everything” and read for 30 to 60 minutes.
“Our friends and lovers of literacy at Portola Rotary were on campus to read to students, and generously donated a new Dr. Seuss book to every kindergarten student,” said Principal Melissa Leal.
“Eight Rotarians participated in Read Across America Day with the kindergarteners,” Matt Cruse, president of the Portola Rotary Club said with a smile. “We read ‘One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish,’ and once done reading, we passed a copy to each kindergartener.”
Read Across America Day, also known as Dr Seuss Day, is a yearly observance in the USA inaugurated by the National Education Association. It is held on the school day that is nearest to March 2, Dr. Seuss’ birthday.
Theodor Seuss Geisel was an American artist, book publisher, animator, poet, a political cartoonist as well as an author. He is best known for authoring beloved children’s books.
The National Education Association launched Read Across America, which is an initiative on reading that began in 1997 to encourage children in reading more books and also getting them excited about reading.
The first Read Across America Day was celebrated March 2, 1998; since then, it has been held annually. The holiday mainly focuses on motivating children to read as it improves their performance in school.
National Education Association members and a total of 50 national associations and organizations support the Read Across America Day.
Fun Facts about Dr. Seuss
Dr. Seuss would have been 116 years old on his birthday this year.
His real name is Theodor Seuss Geisel.
“Green Eggs and Ham” was written after a friend bet Seuss that he couldn’t write a book with only 50 different words.
Dr. Seuss, known as Ted to his friends, published 44 picture books before his death in 1991.
It took Dr. Seuss over a year to write “The Cat in the Hat.” He wore a variety of wacky hats from a reportedly large collection to clear his writer’s block.
