Promoting literacy and Dr. Seuss' birthday at Monte Vista

Every year on Dr. Seuss' birthday there is a celebration of reading. This year, as part of the Read Across America program, Monte Vista Elementary is sharing in the fun.
On March 2 the PTA had a full schedule of books, reading and fun planned. Monte Vista's list of guest readers included Steve Klauke, radio broadcaster for the Salt Lake Bees; Susan Pulsipher; Jordan School District board member; Chloe Hyde, Miss South Jordan; and Rick Folkerson a Ken Garff Road to Success Reading program representative and mascot Chief.

Even Principal Thomas Little picked up a book and read to the students.

During the celebration, Monte Vista was be spotlighted as Cool School of the Week on several news stations.

Brooke Howard, a member of the Monte Vista PTA, helped to coordinate the event. Although the PTA runs the show, the teachers get as involved as possible. Monte Vista has been participating in the event for the past five years.

"The program is to promote literacy and to show that other people read, such as parents and high profile people," Little said.

Each child had the opportunity to participate in the events of the day in and out of the classroom.
"It's a busy day and especially fun for the kids with the high profile people coming to read," Little said. Monte Vista had reading activities planned for the entire day.
The national event is focused to promote literacy and literature in the schools. That day, the National Education Association calls for every child to be reading in the company of a caring adult.

Chief, the mascot for the Ken Garff Road to Success
Reading program, reads with coach Ron James,
head coach for the Utah Blaze at last year's Dr. Seuss event.

By Alisha Tondro for The South Valley Journal

Published in March 2011 in Riverton, Utah

http://www.southvalleyjournal.com/pages/full_story/?id=5704&type=Articles&numitems=1&startitem=0&showimages=1