WEST ORANGE, NJ — In 1998, a small task force of the National Education Association came up with a plan to promote reading by celebrating Dr. Seuss’ birthday on March 2 and 20 years later the “Read Across America” program has had a global impact.
On a smaller, though mighty level, West Orange elementary schools have begun their own Read Across America events and activities, celebrating not only Dr. Seuss, but reading itself.
Hazel Elementary School kicked off its celebration on Feb. 28 with some special visitors who came to read their favorite books to students in kindergarten through fifth-grade.
Also, Assemblywoman Mila Jasey presented reading specialist Jennifer Sissman and Hazel Elementary School with resolutions recognizing their participation in Read Across America. Edison Middle School Principal Xavier Fitzgerald donated the books he read to the fifth-grade classrooms.
Visiting readers included Superintendent of Schools Jeffrey Rutzky, West Orange Mayor Robert Parisi, Assemblywoman Mila Jasey, director of special services Kristin Gogerty, Edison Middle School Principal Xavier Fitzgerald, language arts supervisor for K-5 Denise DeMartinis, supervisor of career education and library science Nancy Mullin, Luna Stage Associate Managing Director Jim Peskin, U.S. Sen. Cory Booker’s projects specialist Bianca Madzarova, Officer Jason Padilla, Brendon Curry and Richard Smith of the West Orange Fire Department, and Richie Siebert, who is husband to Hazel kindergarten teacher Phyllis Siebert.
Photos Courtesy of WOSD
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