Derby students celebrate Read Across America

Irving School students Jasmine, Nataly, and Kailyn, from left, at the READ-In with Jessica Glassman, Literacy Specialist, dressed as the Cat in the Hat.  / Contributed photo

DERBY - Irving School celebrated Read Across America Monday with its first READ-IN.  

The event was organized by Irving School Literacy Specialists, Keely Edwards, Jessica Glassman, and Tricia Marini. 

Students started the day with a book swap, where they brought books to school to trade with their peers.   

New Haven Reads donated 500 books, so all students had the opportunity to go home with a gently used book.  

Later in the day, students gathered in the gymnasium and were led in a reading oath by Matthew Conway, Superintendent of Schools. The purpose of the oath was to inspire the students to become life-long readers. 

Stacy Chambers, Assistant Superintendent, read Dr. Seuss' classic story, The Cat in the Hat, to students.

The chorus sang a Read Across America-themed song.

Mayor Anita Dugatto spoke to students before they got cozy with a stuffed animal, a warm blanket and a good book for the D.E.A.R. (Drop Everything and Read) time.  

This is a press release from Irving School. 

Cat in the Hat, Derby officials visit Bradley School

DERBY - Mayor Anthony Staffieri and Superintendent of Schools Matthew Conway read to students at Bradley School Friday as part of National Read Across America Day. 

The annual event is held in schools and libraries across the United States to celebrate the birthday of prolific author Dr. Seuss, also known as Theodor Geisel. 

He would have turned 109 on Saturday.

Staffieri and Conway were joined by Seuss' infamous character, the Cat in the Hat, a.k.a. Sam Pollastro of Derby.

Staffieri, center, listens to the Cat in the Hat speak to kindergartners.

Conway, seated, and the Cat in the Hat visit first graders.

Staffieri chats with kindergartners after reading to them. 

The Cat in the Hat made a surprise visit to pre-Kindergartners Alaina, left, and Chloe Richards, 4, twin daughters of Bradley School Grade 1 teacher Amanda Richards, holding Chloe.  

Homage to Dr. Seuss: Cat in the Hat cookies

Yesterday was Read Across America day, an event held in elementary schools and libraries in honor of the March 2 birthday of the prolific author Dr. Seuss, also known as Theodor Geisel.

He would have turned 109 today.

This display of Cat in the Hat cookies caught my eye when I was visiting Bungay School in Seymour for its celebration.

Seymour Middle School Principal Bernadette Hamad is in the Cat in the Hat spirit as she reads "The Lorax" to fifth graders in Michael Milia's classroom at Bungay School. 

A quote from the story: “I am the Lorax. I speak for the trees. I speak for the trees for the trees have no tongues.” 

Hamad told students when they get to the middle school next fall they will have an opportunity to join the school's active Audubon Club to help take care of the environment.

Library program to mark Dr. Seuss' birthday

Re-posting: This family event is today

 

DERBY -  Join the fun on Saturday at Derby Public Library for a celebration in recognition of Read Across America and Dr. Seuss’ birthday.
The event is scheduled to begin at 10:30 a.m. for children ages 4-11 and includes stories, crafts and other Seuss-themed activities.

Kelly King of EcoArt will lend a hand to create some awesome projects using recycled materials. All materials will be provided.

Participants may also wear any Seuss-related character accessory such as a hat, T-shirt, etc. for the program.

Registration is requested. There is no fee to attend.

Also on Saturday the library invites children ages 4-11 to use their creative talents and stir their imaginations during Lego Time from 12:30-1:30 p.m.

Children at all levels of building skills are welcome to attend for the introduction of this new drop-in program which will be held twice a month.  here is no fee to attend.


For information or to register, call the Children’s Room, 203-736-1482, stop by the Library, 313 Elizabeth St., or visit www.derbypubliclibrary.org