I am reading, reading I am

In honor of Dr. Seuss’ birthday on March 2, the Number Five School in Cedarhurst celebrated with an assembly and various guests stopping by throughout the day to read their favorite Dr. Seuss (author Theodor Seuss Geisel) books to students. As part of the celebration, Random House and the National Education Association encouraged schools participate in, “Reading Across America,” a program that promotes literacy.

Gregory Wright, a Lawrence PTA member and parent of a third grader, helped make “Reading Across America” buttons for the school and guests who come to read. He also coordinated the school’s March 3 book fair.

“Parents should be involved in schools because teachers need help,” he said. “Teachers buy their own books for their classrooms and the money the PTA makes goes to the school so they can buy books for their classroom and library.”

Lawrence Superintendent Dr. John Fitzsimons read, “And to Think I Saw It on Mulberry Street,” to Mrs. Palmero’s second grade class. “I have six grandchildren so I have a lot of practice reading to them,” he said to the class.

Number Five School Principal Helene Levine has celebrated Dr. Seuss’ birthday in every school she’s worked in and remembers reading Dr. Seuss books as a child. “They’re fun books and something everybody knows and can relate to,” Levine said. “The whole school and community are involved so it’s very exciting.”

Deputy Superintendent Gary Schall, Village of Cedarhurst trustee Ari Brown, former Number Five School Principal Sab Caponi, parents, curriculum directors, former teachers and other principals in the district stopped by to read to the students.