Grade schools in the Warren County Schools District were among numerous schools across the country that are celebrating Dr. Seuss’ birthday this month.March 2 was Dr. Seuss’s birthday and the inspiration behind “Reading Is Fun Week,” which was celebrated the week of March 4 with reading, visitors, costumes and Dr. Seuss-inspired activities.“We delve into Reading is Fun Week because it’s a great way to promote lifelong reading,” said Janel Gaultney, a kindergarten teacher at Rebecca Boone Elementary. “Dr. Seuss is a well-loved children’s author, as well as a national symbol for reading. Kids know his books, and even though these books have been around for ages, they never get old,”She said Rebecca Boone Elementary has been having an assembly and daily book-themed activities for seven years.“This is a special week for Rebecca Boone Elementary students to celebrate their love of reading,” Gaultney said.This year’s assembly was March 6. About 300 students in kindergarten through third grade filled the gym for a slumber party that included all kinds of mischief, pajama attire and a bedtime story, “The Funny Fun Day!”Dr. Seuss was the pen name used by Theodor Seuss Geisel, who was born March 2, 1904. Before he died in 1991 he had written, illustrated and published more than 60 books. Among his best known: “The Cat in the Hat,” “Green Eggs and Ham,” “How the Grinch Stole Christmas,” “One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish,” and “Oh the Places You’ll Go.”For decades, Dr. Seuss has inspired and encouraged early readers.“Kids love the funny illustrations; the crazy, made-up creatures; and of course for kindergarten, the rhymes,” said Gaultney. “Seuss’ books are everlasting and universal, so by celebrating Dr. Seuss and his books, we are also celebrating the joy of reading.”Reading Is Fun Week at school is a favorite tradition among teachers and students.“It’s an amazing week where teachers show their enthusiasm for books and student activities center around the book of the day,” Gaultney said. “When students were asked what their favorite book and activity of the week was they couldn’t just pick one. Not even their principal (Mr. Weeks) juggling eggs and walking barefoot on eggs.”

Rebecca Boone students were treated to a show, not just a bedtime reading, of Dr. Seuss during an assembly March 6 in honor of Reading is Fun Week. Pajamas were optional for everyone in attendance.

Record photo/Kate Miller

Confetti dropped during a “slumber party” at Rebecca Boone March 6. Students were celebrating Reading is Fun week, an annual event that honors the works of Dr. Seuss on his birthday.

Record photo/Kate Miller

Dr. Suess’s Birthday March 2 inspired the launch of Reading is Fun Week. On March 6, a few classrooms at Rebecca Boone Elementary had a pajama party in the school’s gym. Here, teachers are challenged to catch marsh mellows without using their hands.

Record photo/Kate Miller