A time to read – and bond

Orcas school celebrates Dr. Seuss’ birthday on “Read Across America” day

The occasion March 1 was Dr. Seuss’ birthday, which kids all across America celebrated with a day called “Read Across America.”

The Orcas Island Elementary School had its own celebration. It began in the school cafeteria, and featured the teachers all colorfully clad in hats worn by Dr. Seuss’ “Cat in the Hat,” and reading one of his delightful little stories.

But the highlight of the day came later, when parents, grandparents, and community members went to the classrooms to read with the students. It was a moment when reading became the mechanism by which adults got to bond with the special children in their lives.

This was when one could see teacher Peggy Davis snuggling with her daughter Kelila Gottlieb while they read the Harry Potter book, “The Sorcerer’s Stone.” Davis later told The Sounder that mom and daughter snuggle and read together every night at bedtime.

Grandpa Ron Slabaugh read to his granddaughter Tika Zbornik. Tika didn’t know that grandpa would be coming to the school that day, and she was most pleasantly surprised to find him in her class. For grandpa, it was another opportunity to do what he and Tika enjoy doing together at home. “I do this all the time with Tika,” he said. Then grandpa and granddaughter gave each other a little kiss.

Orcas Island School Board member Janet Brownell also read to a child, but not her own. Brownell came to the school on Dr. Seuss’ birthday. “It’s because I love reading. I want everybody to love reading. Books can take you anywhere in the world,” she said.

The Read Across America campaign is designed to get kids reading year-round. Orcas school Librarian Terry Hopkins intends to keep the momentum going by inviting what she calls “a royal reader” to come to the library every two weeks to read to the students. Last Friday, it was Superintendent Barry Acker. Future royal readers include Bob Littlewood, Tish Knapp and, just before next Christmas, Mrs. Santa Claus!

— Ted Grossman is editor of islandssounder.com and The Islands’ Sounder. He can be reached at (360) 376-4500 or email.

Comment on this story.

COMMENTING RULES: We encourage an open exchange of ideas in our online community, but we ask you to follow our guidelines for respecting community standards. In a nutshell, don't say anything you wouldn't want your mother to read.