| UVM's America Reads program helped the kids at JFK Elementary
School in Winooski celebrate the anniversary of Dr. Seuss' birthday as
part of the national Read Across America day. On Sunday, February 28th,
15 work-study students and volunteers involved in the program met in the
MLK Lounge to create decorations from Dr. Seuss' books, such as drawings
of his characters, trufella trees and huge murals with illustrations and
quotes from some of his most popular stories. These large and colorful
decorations were then hung up in the school on Tuesday, March 2, Town Meeting
Day, while the JFK Elementary students were still on their February vacation.
When the children returned from their vacation on Wednesday, March 3, as
they walked down "The Street of the Lifted Lorax", they were extremely
surprised and excited that their school building had been transformed into
a world of Dr. Seuss. However, the real treat for the kids was a special
assembly during which Karl Swanke, a former Green Bay Packer, read some
of his favorite Dr. Seuss books. The kids were thrilled by his presence
and asked lots of questions from "Who was your quarter back?" to "Do you
have a dog?" Karl shared with the kids an enthusiasm for reading and promised
to autograph for all the students a Read Across America reading award.
Before the assembly was over, the JFK Elementary school's principal, Robert
Pequignot, came into the auditorium dressed as the Cat in the Hat. There
were giggles and shouts and many smiling faces.
America Reads is a national challenge put forth by President Clinton to all Americans to support teachers and help ensure that every American child can read well and independently by the end of 3rd grade. As President Clinton states, "The America Reads Challenge will accomplish this by marshaling the resources of entire communities -- schools and libraries, religious institutions, universities, college students and senior citizens -- to work together with teachers and parents to teach our children to read." The University of Vermont has been involved in the America Reads Challenge since 1997. UVM America Reads strives to support UVM students in providing high quality literacy experiences consistent with best practices documented in current research related to literacy learning and effective tutoring for children and families. It also works to provide challenging and supportive experiences for UVM students to explore experiences while contributing to their community by supporting the efforts of area schools and agencies. The Dr. Seuss Celebration was a very successful highlight for the second year of UVM's America Reads program. As one truly dedicated America Reads participant comments, "UVM's America Reads program devoted a great deal of time and effort to give the kids at JFK Elementary a day I'm sure they will never forget." |
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