Read Across America Celebrated in Paterson Schools

School Ten

Kathy Esquiche, third grade teacher at School Ten, used her numerous connections and brought the following readers to our school:

Congressman Bill Pascrell Jr. read to a Kindergarten class and Ms Esquiche's third grade class, while Paterson Mayor Joey Torres read to 2 first grade classes.

State Senator John A. Girgenti also visited, reading to 2 Kindergarten classes, and Prospect Park Mayor Mohamed Khairullah, a Paterson teacher himself, read to a Kindergarten and second grade class

Diana Diaz, the Social Worker, arranged for her husband, Miguel Diaz, Chairperson for Passaic County Planning Board, to read to a Kindergarten class, and Ms Schemly, a Kindergarten teacher, had

Paterson Education Association President Pete Tirri read to her class.

Ms Neubauer, the Librarian, scheduled students in fifth through seventh grades to read to Kindergarten through third grade classes.

The children in all the classes that had a special guest reader also wore The Cat in the Hat hats that Ms Esquiche and Ms Neubauer were able to obtain from the Saturn Car Dealer on Route 23.

And children, as well as staff, were encouraged to wear red, white, and black (for School spirit Day) in honor of The Cat in the Hat.

School # 13

The March 2nd visit from the Cat In The Hat kicked off the 50th Birthday celebration we had at School #13. Mr. Sparrow, School # 13 principal, helped arrange the special visits of our readers.

We had 8 athletes from MSU read to our students and stress the importance of reading. A visit from Charles Way and David Tyree from the NY Giants reinforced how important it is to stay in school and work hard. Students from Essex High School also reinforced the importance of a good education. We also had special visits from our own Cat In The Hat played by Shakira Inoa and Ginette Duran. The Grinch, played by Arlette Santos and John Guzman, also made a special guest appearance.

Mrs. Kownacki's and Mrs. Anton's third grade classes entered the District Instructional Council's contest. Each student designed a birthday card for The Cat In The Hat and wrote a birthday rhyme. Miss Jackson, our art teacher helped to supervise.

School # 14

Read Across America was celebrated on March 2 and March 5 at School # 14.

Students visited the Lucky Cat Cafe' to celebrate the 50th birthday of The Cat in the Hat. At the birthday party students enjoyed a visit from the Cat in the Hat, the Grinch, Thing 1 and Thing 2. Children took a readers oath, played pin the bow on the cat and signed a birthday card for the cat. Everyone enjoyed treats and sweets while reading Dr. Suess stories.

At the end of the party all children received a goodie bag filled with a book,bookmarker and pencil.

The story Cat in the Hat was read over the PA system on March 2nd and a few guests visited to read to our third and second graders. -- Submitted by Linda Ernst; School 14 Media Specialist