Elementary Students Celebrate Worldwide Reading Day

The students, teachers and administration at  and  elementary schools celebrated the joy and importance of reading Friday during a worldwide holiday and the birthday of the author of “The Cat in the Hat” and “How the Grinch Stole Christmas.”

March 2 was  and the 108th birthday of Dr. Seuss. The teachers, parents and guest readers at Rocky Hill’s two elementary schools joined educators worldwide as they used the day to encourage reading among children.

The students at West Hill Elementary School were treated to 28 guest readers Friday morning. The guest readers included Police Chief Michael Custer,  and state Rep. Tony Guererra along with PTO members, the Board of Education, the staff and  employees. Each reader showed students how reading impacted his or her life and career.

“I invited people from the community so that the kids could see how reading has affected their careers,” said West Hill School third grade teacher Bitsy Skelly, who organized the event. “These (students) are the community leaders of the future.”

Skelly said many of the guest readers picked up their books early and prepared lessons plans and presentations for the children. Each teacher was given a biography on their guest reader and the students prepared questions for their special visitors.

“I hope this event has shown you that you could be that person is reading to you,” said West Hill School Principal .

At Stevens School, the students are  and comprehension skills. Teachers are also making time for independent reading during their classes.

The students are part of a national campaign to read and take as many quizzes as possible to break a national record, according to Stevens School Principal John Colonghi. As of Friday morning, the children had read 6,827 books and over 43 million words.

Colonghi read one of his favorite childhood books, “,” to students throughout the day. The Stevens School principal was not alone as fifth graders and guest readers read to students during the day.

 Local Editor  was one of the guest readers and read “Hop on Pop” to four first grade classes. The students followed the reading by taking a quiz on Accelerated Reader and celebrated their perfect score with silent applause.

Editor’s Note: I would like to thank everyone involved with these two events for inviting me. I enjoyed attending both events and was impressed by the students, administration and teachers at both schools. A big thank you goes out to the first grade students and teachers for allowing me the privilege to read to them. It was truly an honor for me. 

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