Atlantic City Public Schools Celebrate Dr. Seuss Through Read Across America

ATLANTIC CITY - Superintendent of Schools Dr. La’Quetta S. Small visited Texas Avenue School on Thursday, March 6, 2025, to share her love of literature for Read Across America Week.

Students from Rohima Begun’s second grade class gathered in their chairs in front of the superintendent. Dr. Small told the students that “I am Enough,” written by Grace Byers, illustrated by Keturah A. Bobo is one of her favorite books. “In school, we’re all different,” said Dr. Small. Students have various body types, physical abilities, skin completion and many other unique qualities. However, it is important for them all to believe in themselves and cherish their individuality. "You are more than enough,” Dr. Small told the students. “I want you to embrace who you are. I want you to love who you are.”

The students listened closely and watched intently as she read. Afterward, some shared what they learned from the story. One student said it is important to never quit.

“If it doesn’t work the first time, try a second time,” said second grade student Aryan Camarillo.

Read Across America is a nationwide initiative that promotes reading among children and young adults. It was launched in 1998 by the National Education Association (NEA) and is held annually on March 2, the birthday of Dr. Seuss, the beloved author of many children's books. The goal of Read Across America is to motivate students to read more and to celebrate the joy and diversity of literature.

Texas Avenue School Principal Lina Gil said she promoted several literacy initiatives to coincide with the Read Across America event, including a read-a-thon, spelling bees, and they even had a visit from the masked reader. “I love to promote reading at the school,” Gil said. “Getting students to read more and focus on literacy in a fun and meaningful way has been one of my passions.”

Similar events took place throughout the district all week as visitors converged on neighborhood schools to impart their love of reading to the students. Police officers, board of education members and others from the community read various books and stories to the students.  Board of Education President Shay Steele, board member Geoffrey Dorsey and Dr. Small all read to students at the New York Avenue School. Dorsey was also a guest reader at Brighton Avenue School.

On Friday, Media Specialist Kimberly Shick organized the celebration at Sovereign Avenue School.

“It’s going great,” Shick said. “It shows the students how important it is to read and have representation in books.”

Charles and Randi Barbin, of the Dunes Art Gallery, also read to Sovereign Avenue School students. “You look back and see a younger version of yourself and it makes you want to read inspirational books that are timeless,” Charles Barbin said. “In this world of technology, it’s good to open up a physical book,” added Randi Barbin. “Reintroducing the physical book is important to me.”

At the Chelsea Heights School, parent Anija Ford also served as a community reader. “It’s important for your children to read,” said Ford. “It will encourage them to read at home and take it more seriously.”

Chelsea Heights School also got a visit from former NFL player Keith Hunter who told the students about the importance of active listening before readers began. “Listening skills and paying attention will take you very far in life,” said Hunter. “Every job that you take on, any task that you complete successfully comes from listening and paying attention.”

Educators have long said that reading is not only fun, but also beneficial for students' academic and personal growth. Some of the benefits of reading include improving vocabulary, comprehension, and critical thinking skills.

Read Across America is not just a one-day event, but a year-round movement that aims to foster a culture of reading in schools and communities. The NEA hopes that by exposing students to diverse and inspiring stories, they will be able to see themselves and others in a positive and respectful light. Atlantic City Public Schools is proud to be a part of the Read Across America movement and will continue to support and encourage its students to read more and read better.

As Dr. Seuss once said, "The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you'll go."

To see the full photo gallery from the Atlantic City Public Schools Read Across America week click the link: https://photos.app.goo.gl/xCmNxwefMa37z8NZA

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