Read Across America Visits Clement Avenue Elementary School

 

 First Lady Jessica Doyle, left, is welcomed by April Swick, principal of Clement Avenue Elementary School on Friday (February 29, 2008). Doyle, WEAC leaders, community representatives and parents joined in a grand celebration as Read Across America kicked off.

Art teacher Suzanne Villafuentes, left, talks to WEAC President Mary Bell about the role art had in preparing students for the annual reading celebration. "To bring in literature with art is really important,” Villafuentes said.

Gloria Ratkowski of Clement Avenue Elementary School penned a Dr. Seuss-inspired poem which children read to their special guests during an all-school assembly.

WEAC President Mary Bell talks with students before touring Clement Avenue Elementary School. Bell and other leaders stopped in classrooms to read to children and discuss the importance of literature.

WEAC Secretary-Treasurer Betsy Kippers (front left), MTEA President Dennis Oulahan (front right), Michelle Wright (back left) and Milwaukee Public Schools board member Terrance Falk (back right) took a moment from Read Across America festivities to enjoy a piece of the Cat in the Hat cake at Clement Avenue Elementary School in Milwaukee.