In commemoration of Dr. Seuss’ birthday, the Harlingen Consolidated Independent School District and Sylvan Learning Centers of the Rio Grande Valley have teamed up to promote reading as a part of the National Read Across America Day with a two-day event on March 2-3.
“We hope this celebration encourages a passion for reading and lifelong learning in our first grade students,” said Superintendent Dr. Art Cavazos. “In providing a strong foundation through reading, we give our students the tools to succeed and place them on the path towards global achievement. We are thankful for the support of Sylvan Learning Centers of the Rio Grande Valley as we continue to promote our early childhood literacy initiatives at HCISD.”
The event coincides with Texas Independence Day and is suitably entitled “Oh the Places you will go in Texas!” The celebration is dedicated to teaching students about the different landmarks in Texas while demonstrating how reading and imagination can transport them to places of fun, adventure and learning.
“Children whose primary exposure to reading occurs at school, rather than at home, may associate reading with work rather than pleasure,” said Susan Valverde, Executive Director at Sylvan Learning of the RGV. “Read Across America Day provides an ideal chance for parents to introduce reading as the enjoyable, entertaining activity that it can be. Sylvan Learning and HCISD share the same vision of promoting reading at earlier age.”
During the event students will be greeted and entertained by characters from popular books, as well as community leaders who will administer an oath as the children pledge to read for pleasure.
Students will track their journey throughout Texas as they “travel” from NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston, to the Shafter mines of West Texas, to the State Capitol in Austin.
As part of the celebration students are encouraged to dress up in western attire to celebrate our great Texas heritage as they visit different regions of the Lone Star State.
