Schools

School Emphasizes Reading as Nation Celebration Seuss

Bedminster Township School celebrates Read Across America

Even Sparkee, the mascot for the Somerset Patriots, knew how to get in on the fun when Bedminster Township School hosted Read Across America Friday in honor of Dr. Seuss's birthday.

Sparkee was one of many who spent much of the day reading to students in all grades, and third graders listening to him were excited to be in the presence of a local celebrity.

"Friday was about guest readers," said Betsy Quinn, library media specialist at the school who arranged Read Across America. "I'm all about the reading, not necessarily Dr. Seuss."

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While students studied the famous author in their individual classes, Quinn organized a month of activities to celebrate reading, and a special week of events that included wearing mismatched clothing, Drop Everything and Read and dressing up as their favorite literary characters since they had to cancel Halloween during Superstorm Sandy.

"I focus on reading, not just in books, but we have e-book collections too," she said. "This is just to get people to read."

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The final day of the week featured guest readers, including Sparkee (or rather the Patriots mascot coordinator Deanna Liotard while Sparkee acted out the book), school principal Corby Swan, former township committeewoman Katy Rupert, board of education member Monica Burch, Sen. Michael Doherty and teachers throughout the school.

In addition, Quinn said, they had the county superintendent and chief educator of the state of New Jersey in for readings.

Quinn said she asked guests to bring in their childhood favorite books, and those who didn't have one borrowed one from the library,

Students from grades kindergarten through eight all had the chance to hear readers.

"I think the eighth graders enjoy it more because it doesn't happen often [that people read for them]," Quinn said.

Quinn said reading is everywhere, not just in books, and students need to learn about the variety of types. That is the importance of the program, she said.

"Kids have to read more because of video games and more," she said. "You can't get away from reading."


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