| SEARCH OnWEAC |
|---|
WEAC President Mary Bell talks with students at Clement Avenue Elementary School in Milwaukee on Friday (February 29, 2008) after reading "The Cat in the Hat" to students during a kickoff celebration for Read Across America.
Video
|
Read Across America, an annual celebration of reading, was launched in grand fashion at a Milwaukee school on Friday (February 29, 2008).
WEAC leaders, First Lady Jessica Doyle and local businessmen celebrated the kickoff at Clement Avenue Elementary School in Milwaukee.
“Thank you to all the students and teachers,” said WEAC President Mary Bell, who read Dr. Seuss’s “The Cat in the Hat” during a school assembly, and later shared “The Lorax” with 3rd graders.
“Reading to children is one of my favorite things to do,” said Bell, a library media specialist for 30 years.
Bell, WEAC Vice President Guy Costello, WEAC Secretary-Treasurer Betsy Kippers and WEAC Executive Director Dan Burkhalter were among the guest readers on hand for the event. The leadership team made its way through the state to visit schools for their own Read Across America events in early March.
Even Jon Greenberg, president of the Milwaukee Admirals, was on hand with Admirals’ mascot Roscoe. Greenberg’s daughter attends the school.
|
Clement Avenue School Principal April Swick, teachers and education support professionals, and parents all worked together to deck the school out in true Seussville fashion, from the familiar red and white striped stovepipe hats to the creative characters straight from Seuss’ timeless stories.
Art teacher Suzanne Villafuentes received a round of applause for the décor, which students proudly showed off to the visitors. “You see the touch of art throughout the whole building,” Bell said. “Those are two gifts of Seuss – poetry and art.”
“The kids were excited about this event, and to bring in literature with art is really important,” agreed Villafuentes, who has 700 children a week come into her classroom.
Swick said the students – as well as the staff and parents – were eager to share their love of literature. “Teachers, students, community members and staff have been working all month building up to this,” said Swick, who wore Cat in the Hat face paint.
First Lady Jessica Doyle praised the event, saying, “this is the biggest and best birthday party I know of anywhere.”
Before leaving, she read “Green Eggs and Ham,” noting that it’s the governor’s favorite Dr. Seuss book.
“That’s my favorite too,” squealed 4-year-old Jack, seated cross-legged on the gym floor.
Lisa Boudnik, vice president of the Clement Avenue School’s Parent Teacher Association and mother of a 3rd grader, said events such as these show the importance of community being involved in education. “I think that every parent who can be involved should be involved,” she said.
Guest reader Penny Larson, president of the Wisconsin Parent Teacher Association, agreed. “It’s very important for everyone to support the schools,” she said.
This is the 11th year WEAC has teamed with the National Education Association to promote Read Across America, which marks the birthday of beloved children’s author Dr. Seuss. Across the nation, more than 45 million parents, community members, students and people of all walks joined in festivities.
Also reading at the event were:
• Dennis Oulahan, MTEA president.
• Penny Larson and Roxanne Starks, Wisconsin PTA.
• Thomas Rosenthal, Northwestern Mutual.
• Penny Manke, community activist.
• Tim Petersons, MPS board member.
• Terrence Falk, MPS board member.
Posted February 29, 2008
