Lynwood – Roosevelt Elementary School first-graders oohed and aahed in amazement, pointing in disbelief as the Cat in The Hat entered their classroom and proceeded to read “Green Eggs and Ham.” The fairytale character joined community leaders and parents who took turns reading classic tales on March 1 in celebration of Read Across America Week, the annual reading awareness program.

Literary rhymes from Dr. Seuss classics like “One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish” and “There’s a Wocket in My Pocket” filled K-6 classrooms across the District as guest readers encouraged children to explore books and imparted important lessons.

Lynwood Mayor Jose Luis Solache recited the words of “Click, Clack, Quackity-Quack” alongside young students, while Lynwood Unified Superintendent Gudiel R. Crosthwaite shared the impact that reading has had on his success.

“I can remember getting my library card in the third grade and it changed my life,” Crosthwaite said. “Reading can take you anywhere you want through the power of imagination. It will teach you about the world around you, but also allow you to create your own reality.”

The Roosevelt Parent Teacher Organization provided support for the event, such as Cat in The Hat cupcakes, and supplied students with Dr. Seuss stickers and pencils.

“We’re so thankful for our parents who came to support their children and continually push the importance of literacy in their homes,” Roosevelt Principal Sandra Verduzco said. “By reinforcing a love of reading we are helping our students build habits that will put them on the path to success.”

Elementary schools across Lynwood Unified School District celebrated Read Across America in their own ways, with some guest readers dressing up as historical figures and high school students volunteering at campuses across the District.

This year marked the 21st anniversary of the National Education Association’s (NEA) Read Across America Day, which celebrates the birthday of Dr. Seuss.

“Read Across America is a special event for our District as it reaffirms our focus on literacy,” said LUSD Board President Alfonso Morales, who participated by reading to Roosevelt students. “It’s also an opportunity for our educators and community members to show how much we care by joining our children for a day of celebrating education.”

PHOTO CAPTIONS

030618_LUSD_READACROSSAMERICA1: Lynwood Mayor Jose Luis Solache reads to a classroom at Roosevelt Elementary School as part of the celebration of Read Across America Week, the annual reading awareness program.

030618_LUSD_READACROSSAMERICA2: Cat in The Hat made a visit to students at Roosevelt Elementary School as part of the celebration of Read Across America Week, the annual reading awareness program