Reed School Students Join Readers ‘Across America’

In commemoration of what would have been the 100th birthday of Theodore Geisel, better known to millions as the beloved Dr Seuss, Reed Intermediate School and Newtown Middle School recently presented their own “Read Across America” story day featuring guest readers including Superintendent of Schools Evan Pitkoff, Assistant Superintendent of Schools Alice Jackson, and former superintendent John Reed

Dr Reed and Dr Pitkoff read Dr Seuss’s Hooray for Doofendorfer Day!

“It’s a great story about education, and timely,” said Dr Pitkoff. The book was also one of Dr Seuss’s last published works.

Ms Jackson read Patricia Polacco’s Thank You, Mr Falker.

In the book, little Trisha is overjoyed at the thought of starting school and learning how to read. But when she looks at a book, all the letters and numbers just get jumbled up. Her classmates make matters worse by calling her dummy. Only Mr Falker, a stylish, fun-loving new teacher, recognizes Trisha’s incredible artistic ability — and her problem — and takes the time to lead her finally and happily to the magic of reading.

Another guest reader, Board of Education Chair Elaine McClure, read a selection of her own choosing, Robert W. Service’s poem, The Cremation of Sam McGee. The lyrical prose tells the story of a man’s adventure from his birthplace of Tennesse to the bitter cold of the South Pole.

Since its first celebration in 1998, “Read Across America” has become a national tradition that attracts young and old alike in communities across the United States. Last year more than 45 million adults and children participated in events ranging from green eggs ‘n ham breakfasts and pajama parties to reading extravaganzas featuring politicians, television, and film stars, and sports celebrities.