Students Celebrate Dr. Seuss’ Birthday With ‘Read Across America’

RANCHO MIRAGE – It is quite fitting to be reading a Dr. Seuss book to students at Rancho Mirage Elementary on Tuesday. It isthe author’s birthday and the “Read Across America” event.

“You can learn stuff and learn new words and build up your education,” saysthird grade student, Jordan Bradley.

The school’s principal is proud to say her students love to read.

Alexa Arellano, another third grade students, says she is reading the fifth installment of the popular “Harry Potter” series. “The fifth one has 870 pages. I’m on 600-something.”

To get students in the spirit of reading, the school’s Accelerated Reader Program has a point system that highlights which students are reading the most.

“When I’m out on the playground,” says Principal Marsha Boring, “they come up to me and tell me how many points they have. ‘I have nine points… I have 25.’ They’re very excited.”

Boring says the top reader has 800 points, and the student wants to earn 1000 points by the end of the school year.

The annual “Read Across America Day” is sponsored by the National Education Association. But, it is more than about promoting literacy. It is about learning life skills.