NCAE | Read Across America March 3, 2008

As local NCAE units report their Read Across America activities, we will post them here.

If you would like your activities listed, please email them to Christi Broadway .

Buncombe County

For years now my third graders go down to a first grade classroom to read Dr. Seuss books with and to them. We also do a Dr.Seuss scavenger hunt with lots of different books by him.

Jamie Munn, NBCT, 3rd Grade Teacher

Catawba County

Catawba is having a Read-a-bration! Click here to see our program ideas.

Ponetta Hull, President, Catawba

We will have Chris Soentpiet (illustrator and author) visit our school on March 3rd. He will speak in an assembly to the students. Each class went through a book talk to get to know the books he illustrated or wrote. We will also have a used book sale all week.

Rhonda Pawlik, Sixth Grade, Startown

Clay County

Hayesville Elementary School will have a Read Across America program on Monday. We will begin the day with a Green Eggs and Ham Breakfast for all students and faculty. Then we will have an assembly to introduce our guest readers, the Cat in the Hat, Thing 1 and 2. Our principal will read a book that all students will be able to see on the big screen. Our school counselor will also sing some songs to help kick off the event.

Guest readers will read 2 times to their class and rotate to the next classroom. Senator John Snow will be one of our special guest readers for the event. Retired teachers, parents, grandparents, and more will participate. Afterwards, there will be a reception for all our readers.

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Our elementary school students, staff, and faculty will have a Green Eggs and Ham Breakfast at no cost. Then we will have a program in the school auditorium to kick off the event. Guinnell Hunter will again be our Cat in the Hat. We will also have Thing 1 and 2, our guidance counselor will sing, and our prinicipal will read a short book to the students. The book is being scanned by our librarian, Sally Brock, and will be on a big screen so that everyone can read along. Sally has done a wonderful job putting together this activity.

In addition, we have invited several guest speakers so that each classroom has 2 readers each to read a different book , then rotate to the next classroom. Our RAA assembly will be between 9:30-10:00. Guest speakers will be introduced . One of our main guest speakers is Senator John Snow. He will read with the 4th grade students. Senator Snow has always loved to read to our students in different grades. We appreciate him taking the time to help us celebrate Read Across America and to encourage all students to read.

We will have a reception for our guest speakers after everyone has finished reading their book.

I would like to thank Guinnell Hunter for helping promote RAA and to always participate. She has always been our Cat in the Hat and truly gets into character. Also Senator John Snow for his participation and encouragement to all students to read. Also a special thanks to our librarian, school principal, assistant principal , school superintendent , local school board and all guest speakers that help make this event successful.

Brenda Cherry, Clay County NCAE President, Hayesville Elementary NCAE Building Rep.

Columbus County

At the Big Lots in Columbus County on Feb. 29th from 4 pm to 7 pm, we will be reading to the children. We plan to give each child a book, bookmark and a certificate. We will have the Cat in the Hat present and also do face painting that evening.

Glenda Pack, Vice President, Columbus

Cumberland County

For the past three years Alger B. Wilkins Elementary in Cumberland County has a week full of events for Read Across America. This year the events start with a Wacky Tacky day where children come dressed in tacky clothing, classrooms will be set up like part of the world to help books come to life for our Family Night and the following day all students will rotate to the rooms and part of our community will read to them about the part of the world they are visiting. We also have several contest going on throughout the week. The contest are for poetry, reading, and talent. All the members of the Alger B. Wilkins Family will receive a certificate for participating in the Read Across America events. On the last day of the Read Across America Week, we give trophies for each of the contest and our principal dresses up as the Cat and the Hat and we have Thing One and Thing Two to make special appearances at the celebration. As part of the celebration, we have a live band "The Book Worms" come and perform to help us celebrate Dr. Suess' Birthday.

Patricia A. Utley, President

Durham County

The Durham Association of Educators (DAE) invites you to celebrate with us at Northgate Mall in front of Macy’s, Monday, March 3 from 4:30 until 7:00, featuring “Meet the Author” Kelly Starling Lyons 4:30 – 5:30 pm. Dr. Seuss characters, such as the Cat in the Hat and Thing 1 will also be there. Durham area educators will be reading and telling stories PLUS there will be free books, stickers and tattoos. Durham’s elected officials have been invited to serve as guest reader and book distributors.

Donald Barringer, President

Franklin County

For the fourth consecutive year Franklinton High School Students enthusiastically shared their love of reading with Franklin Elementary School Students by serving as guest readers for “Read Across America” which was observed on Monday, March 3rd. Elementary students enjoyed listening to a variety of stories written by Dr. Seuss while high school students enjoyed giving the gift of reading. In addition to reading aloud, high school students also talked to elementary students about the importance of reading and how reading will benefit them now and in the future. They also presented RIF books and bookmarks as gifts to every student in all thirty-six classrooms. Many of the high school students have volunteered to do this again next year while several others were repeat volunteers from last year who jumped at the opportunity to do it again this year.

Read Across America coincides with Dr. Seuss’ birthday and is celebrated annually. The event was sponsored by Franklin County Association of Educators and was coordinated by: Doris Davis-Williams, Franklinton High School Media Specialist; Amy Leonard, Franklinton Elementary School Media Specialist, Patricia Sasser, FES Retired Teacher, and Candice Tilley, FHS English Teacher.

Doris Davis-Williams, Media Specialist, Franklinton High School

Greensboro

Reedy Fork Elementary School in Greensboro is planning a Read-a-thon for RAA on Friday, March 7. We will have readers from our school system, GCAE, parents, and community reading in our media center to students throughout the day.

Paula Harrison

Guilford County

We will have an event of the Jamestown Public Library on Monday, March 3 from 6:00-8:00 p.m. We have invited local public servants along with school board members.

Ruth Robinson

Haywood County

My school is having a big event for RAA Day. ALl the the first grades are setting up different stations full of reading and Dr. Seuss activities.

Jenny Wood

Johnston County

River Dell Elementary is having a special Read Across America day on March 5th 9:30 - 12:30 with special guest speakers: Secretary of State and others.

Bonnie W. Vause, JCAE President

Martin County

Martin County Association of Educators will sponsor its Annual Read Across America function on March 3, 2008 at the Martin Memorial Library from 5:00pm - 7:00 pm. Children from every community in Martin County are encouraged and welcome to participate. Various members of MCAE, School Board member, County Commisssioners, our school superintendent, and parents will join in reading to multiple age groups. After welcoming the children, allowing our guests to speak, and giving group instructions, I normally choose a book to read to the parents. After the readings, we serve refreshments and give them a goodie bag upon their departure. Many of the goodies are from our yearly sponsors such as Food Lion, Sara Lee, Burger King, etc. Our local newspaper (The Enterprise) covers the event. This is our third year doing this, chaired by Sherleen Sheppard, MCAE VP, with huge success.

Denise J. Carmack, Martin County NCAE, President, NCAE District 7B Director, NCFPSC Board of Directors, Treasurer

Morganton

North Liberty School in Morganton, NC celebrated Read Across America in honor of Dr. Seuss' birthday on March 4, 2008. The morning began with School board members , the superintendent, principals from other schools, associate superintendent and special guests reading to each of the classes at the school. "Cat in the Hat" hats were made in the media center for each student. Special games were played in recreation leisure class. A special video was shown in the afternoon. Cupcakes and drink were provided for everyone with special cupcakes resembling the well known symbol - the hat that "the Cat in the Hat" wears. Everyone seemed to enjoy this special day.

Kim R. Baker, Patty James, North Liberty School

Onslow County

Here is a picture from Dixon Elementary in Onslow County celebrating Read Across America ...........they are members of the local NCAE local........notice the new name of The Cat in the Hat book..................The Rat in the Hat! Also notice the rat!

Contributed by Sid Baker, Teacher Academy

Elizabeth City/Pasquotank

GW Bulluck Elementary School celebrated Dr. Seuss' birthday on Monday, March 3. Two second grade students from six classes read to the kindergarten classes. The first and second grade classes paired up to do Dr. Seuss activities. One class read 'The Foot Book' and made a Venn diagram. Another class read 'The Cat in the Hat' and made hats. Another class read 'The Cat in the Hat Comes Back' and compared stories. The Tar River Chapter of Les Gemmes were guest readers and read to the second grade classes. Everyone enjoyed the activities.

Crystal Belfield

Pitt County

We will be at the Boys and Girls Club from 4-7 on Monday, March 3rd. Students will have the opportunity to listen to stories read by local celebrities, make cat hats, take pictures with the cat in the hat, and sing songs about Dr. Seuss. Area restaurants have provided refreshments for all students who are participating. Every student who participates in Read Across America will go home with a goody bag of Read Across America essentials.

Melissa Coxe

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Every year we participate in Read Across America here at Wahl-Coates by hosting a Book Swap. Students are asked to bring in gently used books to trade. We hold the Book Swap on March 2 (this year of course will be on the 3rd) in the Media Center. Students also receive a new bookmark to go along with their "new" book. We also use this event to emphasize the importance of recycling.

Sharon L. Phillips, Media Coordinator, Wahl-Coates School

Rowan County

Sarah Drinkard, drama teacher at South Rowan, has organized a Read Across America activity in which drama students from South Rowan High had written dramatic interpretations of some of Dr. Seuss’s books and will perform them at the Salisbury YMCA on March 3. The play entitled “The Stories of Dr. Seuss” is free to the public. The first showing will be for the after school program at the YMCA at 3:30. At 4:15 PM, the group will share their show with the general public.

Brian Whitson, President

Sampson County

Sampson Co. Asssociation of Educators is sponsoring a Read-In at Lowe's in Clinton on Monday, March 3 from 4:30 to 7:00 pm. Several members will be participating as well as some school board members and hopefully, the superintendent, Dr. Larry Bell. Lowe's is off of the 421 by-pass that goes into Clinton

Tammie Page, President

Sandhills Community College

The Developmental Department of Sandhills Community College in Pinehurst NC will be having their classes participate in Read Across America. We will have 210 students reading for the entire hour their classes meet. Some of the books they will be reading from are "Tuesdays with Morrie", "The Alchemist", "To Kill a Mockingbird", "A Lesson in Dying", and "The Big Fish." Here at Sandhills Community College we recognize the importance of reading and are proud to participate in your event.

Carol Pizzi

Surry County

White Plains Elementary School is celebrating Read Across America on Friday, February 29, 2008. Students are allowed to wear striped hats or dress as a Dr. Seuss character. Our Media Specialist, Mrs. Calton will read Horton Hears a Who while two other staff members, Mrs. Becky Henderson and Kathy Flippen draw the story, for grades K-3. This event will begin at 9:30am. A local author and illustrator, Dean W. Brown will share his stories and art illustrations with grades 4 & 5 . This event will begin at 1:00pm. Students will end the celebration with a Parade. Each grade level will get to march to music outside and around the walking trail, then "star snack cakes" will be provided for students. This event will begin at 2:00pm (weather permitting).

Rodney Pell

Vance County

Please open and read the link which provides the details concerning Vance County's Read Across America celebration. We hope that everyone makes plans to attend our event!

Pamela Ayscue Perry, 2008 program coordinator.

Wake County

On March 3rd, we have planned the following events: Jennifer Lanane,President of Wake NCAE, will read Green Eggs and Ham to my class; My students will recite "The Reader's Oath"; My students will sing "Read Across America"; My students will wear Dr.Seuss hats; My students will send a birthday card to honor Dr.Seuss. It will be a fun day!

Jeanne Hart, K-5 Wake Rep., Zebulon Elementary

Washington County

Washington County Union School has the following activities for RAA:
Members of National Honor Society are reading to 5th grade classes. Our assistant principal and our Gear-Up director are reading to 6th grade classes. Books selected to read include Dr. Seuss, folk tales, fairy tales, poetry, and books that are old favorites.

Dian Williams

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Washington Co. NCAE Celebrates Read Across America Activities

Tonight (3-4-08) from 6-7 PM at the Washington County Public Library located in Plymouth, North Carolina, the Washington County NCAE will be hosting a Read Across America story time. Sharon McNair, an NCAE Association Representative for the Washington Co. NCAE has made all the arrangements for this. Ms. McNair has readers coming in for this event. The Washington Co. NCAE will offer refreshments and present pencils and bookmarks. The Local Affiliate President of the Washington Co. NCAE is Donna Gray.

Dorsey Harris

Wilkes County

Our RAA events will stretch over two weeks beginning on the 3rd.

-DEAR (Drop Everything And Read) every morning for entire school

-Pie in the Face – every student will have a reading goal and if they meet their goal their name will be put in a drawing. Each class will have two names drawn to throw a pie in the principal’s and custodian’s face

-Dr. Seuss Jeopardy- on in-house tv

-Dress up and book quote - during the 2nd week, each day our principal will read a snippet or quote from a Dr. Seuss book on in-house and students will be dressed according to the book

Monday 10-Wacky Socks Day – “Fox in Socks”
Tuesday 11-Favorite Book Character Day– “Cat in the Hat”
Wednesday 12-Crazy Clothes Day– “Daisy Head Maisy”
Thursday 13-PJ Day– “I’m Not Going to Get Up Today”
Friday 14-Career Day - “Maybe You Should Fly a Jet, Maybe you Should be a Vet”

Kim Redding, Moravian Falls Elementary School, 1st / 2nd grade teacher

Winston Salem

Our First Grade Class will be Reading Bartholomew and the Oobleck by Dr. Seuss and making Oobleck.

Kim Jackson, Ashley IB Elementary, 1st Grade Classroom Teacher

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In Kindergarten, we will be reading Dr. Seuss books ahead of the March 3 day. On March 3, we will wear Dr. Seuss red and white stovepipe hats. Our room moms will cook and serve us green eggs and ham for a breakfast snack. We will graph if we like green eggs and ham. We will have a special visitor - Dr. Seuss's Cat in the Hat. We will be listing all the Dr. Seuss books we have read. The children enjoy reviewing all the rhyming words (word families) in the books. The children will make Dr. Seuss door knob holders, and do a Dr. Seuss word search. We will end the day with a spelling bee. This is a lot of fun for us!

Rhonda Lynn Byerly, Kindergarten, Sherwood Forest Elementary

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Tripp Jeffers, president of Forsyth, will be reading in several schools that week, in a Cat in the Hat suit.

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On March 3, 2008, many of our students will return from Space Camp in Huntsville, Alabama. The students are excited to begin reading The Cay by Theodore Taylor. We have discussed the themes, the historical significance, listened to music of the islands on the CD Caribe! Caribe! and have discussed the major characters. We will join our fellow students and teachers by Reading Across America with the characters from The Cay!

Kaaron Saunders
Team 602 - Sixth Grade
Paisley IB Middle School
Winston-Salem, NC