Read Across America Day celebrated at local schools

Schools around the Coachella Valley celebrated “Read Across America Day” Monday inviting parents, police officers, firefighters and others to come to class and read books.

The annual event is held on the birthday of Theodor Seuss Geisel, an American writer and cartoonist better known as Dr. Seuss.

Educators use the day to encourage students to pick up their books and read.

It appears to work.

A student Elizabeth Reyes said, “I like Read Across America Day because we can celebrate a day for Dr. Suess. He makes these really good books that I love to read.”

Alondra Urbina said reading helps her as well, “I like to read because it helps me with my grades.”

Several KESQ News Channel 3 / CBS Local 2 reporters supported the event by going to schools around the desert to read books and talk to students.

News Channel 3’s Jeff Stahl read to 2nd and 4th grade students at Carrillo Ranch Elementary School in Indio.

News Channel 3’s Chris Alvarez and Laura Yanez read to students at Indio’s Kennedy Elementary School.

CBS Local 2 Bianca Rae read to 3rd graders at Palm Desert’s Washington Charter School.

Administrators say reading at any age is a fundamental opportunity to be lifelong learners.

More schools are planning Read Across America activities throughout the week.