March 3 was the official Read Across America Day for 2014, but a day is not enough for many schools, and some choose to celebrate it all week. However long it lasts, “it’s a fun time to be a media specialist!” said Mitzi London, who fills that role at Bethel Elementary.
While the many works of Dr. Seuss are often the center of attention for Read Across America, his books are not the sole resource for the celebrations. The event is also marked by readings from more serious and more challenging books for older students.
Each school puts its own twist on celebrating Read Across America – Parkway’s celebration includes a parade through the school, for example – but guest readers for classrooms are a featured part of the event at nearly every school. “Students love to have someone new in the classroom,” remarked one teacher, “and the guest readers enjoy their time with the students as well.”
Guest readers in the Watauga County Schools include elected officials, many student athletes from ASU, community volunteers, personnel from the central office of the Watauga County Schools, and a wide variety of others with a passion for reading and a commitment to education.
