By Staff Reports  

Celebrating the birthday of beloved children’s author Dr. Seuss, schools and libraries across the country encouraged children to participate in Read Across America last week in celebration. 

Schools in Hartselle and Morgan County were no exception as they joined in on the fun. There were special days to dress up as certain characters, schools had special guests come into read and classrooms and hallways were decorated in Seuss-style.  

Barkley Bridge Elementary began its celebration of Read Across America Week with a kickoff event that included a faculty-prepared breakfast honoring school stakeholders followed by a pep rally. HHS cheerleaders greeted students upon arrival with reading chants while the HHS drumline entertained the guests. Fourth grade students Fenix Doyle and Maggie Tumminello presented “What Exactly is a Stakeholder Anyway?” to the student body which included personalized descriptions of each stakeholder as they were introduced. The BBE chorus wowed everyone when they performed the song, “Oh, The Places You’ll Go!”, directed by Dr. Beth Davis.  

Each year, Mayor Randy Garrison reads the winning writing entry for Hartselle Whoville contest and leads students in the reading pledge. This year, the winner of the Hartselle Whoville Writing Contest was Norah Blake Parker, from Mrs. Godsey’s second grade class. As the pep rally was dismissed, stakeholders joined a classroom and read a book aloud. 

The rest of the week was also full of student favorites. “Bring a stuffed animal to read with” was a student-favorite, according to librarian Jamie Dutton. “Our students also always look forward to “We are a TEAM” day when HHS Athletes are invited to come read picture books to students and speak about the importance of teamwork.”  

Lanie May Morton reads to a classroom during Read Across America Week.

Dutton said her favorite part of Read Across America week is watching the books “fly off the shelves” at the library.  

“Students were also grabbing from the return before we could get them checked in from hearing recommendations,” she said. “You could feel the excitement and love for reading everywhere in our building. I think it gives students a great boost to keep them motivated to read these last few months of school. 

“I love Read Across America Week each year. Our faculty and staff transform our hallways and doors into Seussville. It is full of engaging events and fun activities for our students, focused on celebrating the joy of reading. It is also meaningful to see how our community supports Read Across America events and efforts in Hartselle City Schools,” Dutton added.