Fontana Students, Teachers Rev Up for Read Across America

Students in the Fontana Unified School District will join millions of their peers across the country to celebrate the tenth annual National Education Association's (NEA) Read Across America Day on March 2, 2007.

The nationwide reading celebration takes place each year on March 2, the birthday of beloved children's author Dr. Seuss, who epitomizes a love of learning.  Dr. Seuss's use of rhyme makes his books an effective tool for teaching young children the basic skills they need to be successful.

NEA estimates that last year almost 45 million children and adults celebrated the job of reading on Dr. Suess's birthday.  This year they hope to bring a nation of readers together to really drive home the message about the importance of reading. 

To honor the good doctor and celebrate the fun and value of reading, many of our schools are holding Read Across America activities.  Here are just a few of the ways our schools are celebrating:

		Grant Elementary School At Grant, they are celebrating throughout the week.  On Monday, February 26, students will be going to the library to vote for their favorite Dr. Seuss book.  On Tuesday, February 27, teachers are dressing-up as their book characters and will share the book with their class.  On Wednesday, February 28, Guest Readers will come to classrooms between 12:30 and 2:00, to read a book that they’ve brought with them and talk about how they use reading in their life.  Thursday, March 1, is Book character dress-up day for students.  And, finally, on Friday, March 2, students will have a special visit from the Cat in the Hat!
		Locust Elementary School At Locust, they will be giving each student a book at their grade level to read and to keep at home.  They will read as short biography over the intercom (a little each day) about Dr. Seuss, telling of his contributions to children literature and reading.
		Mango Elementary School This year, Mango will hold its 3rd annual Guest Reader Day on February 27.  The goal is to have every classroom have one guest reader share a story to the students.  District Office personnel, community members, parents and support staff are all volunteering their time to share a book with the students at Mango.  On Wednesday February 28 at 1:30 p.m. they are having a "Seuss-nic Read-in".  All students gather on the playground with their books and Dr. Seuss fun to have a picnic and celebrate reading and Dr. Seuss's birthday!
		Oak Park Elementary School Oak Park is planning a puppet show followed by a book character parade in which students will dress as book characters.  They are also having a read aloud by the principal and other community members.
		Redwood Elementary School Redwood is planning reading and reading-related activities.  Each class is visiting another class and the teacher of that class will either read a story coupled with a language arts activity or show United Streaming video along with a language arts activity.  Other teachers will do art projects that correspond with Dr. Seuss stories.
		Tokay Elementary School Tokay has invited people to share their love of reading with students on March 2.
		West Randall Elementary School West Randall students will be reading Dr. Seuss books throughout the week, with each student selecting their favorite and writing a letter describing what the book is about and why it is their favorite.  One winning letter from each grade level will be selected to be read at a school-wide assembly on the grass field, where all students will also recite the Reader's Oath and sing "Happy Birthday" to Dr. Seuss.

Other online resources:

• NEA's Read Across America
• Dr. Suess's Suessentenial
• Suessville