Celebrating Read Across America
Chattanooga, TN– Read Across America is a nationwide event designed to encourage reading, foster literacy, and cultivate a love of books among people of all ages. Created by the National Education Association (NEA), this celebration coincides with the birthday of children’s author Dr. Seuss, born on March 2. Schools across the country commemorate the day with various activities to inspire a passion for reading.
For Hamilton County Schools, Read Across America brings students, educators, and community members together. Schools host book fairs, make crafts, and invite guest readers to engage with students in their classrooms. High school cheerleaders, football players, grandparents, local community leaders, school board members, the superintendent, and more are invited to these special classroom visits.
At Wallace A. Smith Elementary, Ooltewah High School cheerleaders and football players had the chance to read to the younger students. “I liked seeing the kids interact,” shared cheerleader Lily Dumbar. “The book I read left off on a cliffhanger, and it was fun seeing them wonder what would happen next.” Her teammate, Kennedi Porche, added, “I liked hearing all the laughter. We read The Wonky Donkey, and there were parts where we had to say ‘hee-haw,’ and they loved it.” Kelly Weiss, Principal at Wallace A. Smith, also sees immense value in these interactions.
"Having guest readers from the high school really allows the younger students to see that reading is important all the way through. It's always wonderful to have the high schoolers come and set an example for our students."
At Big Ridge Elementary, students read with Hixson High School’s Student Government Association (SGA). Kacey Bates, the school librarian, shares the importance of having these guests visit. “The students get to see how reading is still cool, and still very important, even as you get older. You can enjoy reading no matter how old you are or what you’re interested in.”
One of his favorite events of the year, Superintendent Dr. Justin Robertson also participated in the day’s festivities, visiting DuPont, Bess T. Shepherd, and Ooltewah Elementary. Dr. Robertson got to share the laughter and joy of reading with students with books like The Good Egg, The Book with No Pictures, and Buffalo Fluffalo.
“As we get older, we sometimes forget about the joy of reading and how special it is. It’s exciting to read books and have a story be created in your head,” said Diana Mammen of Bess T. Shepherd Elementary. Ooltewah Elementary Principal Bethanie Reynolds shared, “This is a great community day for us. We prioritize the importance of reading with the community. Our kids have been super excited.”
Even the youngest learners, like kindergartner Lawson Watts at Ooltewah Elementary, voiced their enthusiasm for the event, saying, “I liked The Good Egg story. I think it is good to read, and I had fun.”
From inspiring young readers to bringing the community together, Read Across America reminds us of the importance of reading and its lifelong joy and impact on students of all ages.
