Seussical Birthday Celebrated by Schools, Township [Video]

Everyone has a favorite Dr. Seuss book to read, and in celebration of the whimsical children's author, township schools mark Read Across America every year.

The event was recognized by the Township Committee at the Feb. 26 meeting with a proclamation noting Read Across America helps "to develop reading and develope involvement in the education of our community's students."

"This is one of my favorites," Mayor Frank DelCore said before presenting the township proclamation to School district Language Arts Supervisor Sheila Cooper, Triangle School Reading Specialist Karen Bizzoco and Writing Specialist Grace Verano.

The event includes dozens of local volunteers—from Mayor DelCore to moms and dads—reading to students in classrooms across Hillsborough. This year's Read Across America also featured a visit by the Kean University men's basketball team, who enjoyed their celebrity status with the students.

Also, Woodfern School REACH teacher Pamela Pedersen organized events at the school that included a multi-media reading of "The Sneetches" by Principal Steven Kerrigan, Amy Fidacaro, Woodfern's Teacher of the Year, and student council members.  Students were visited by their school mascot, the Roadrunner, with his star-bellied friend, "Fern," to reinforce the lesson of the book.  The students were also presented with a reading challenge.  If the students meet the challenge, the principal will wear an "authentic" reproduction of one of the zany hats in Dr. Seuss' collection currently touring the country.

Mayor DelCore and Deputy Mayor Doug Tomson (a Woodfern alumni) were present to administer the "Reader's Oath," encouraging students to read everyday.  In addition, several guest readers attended Woodfern throughout the day to share their enthusiasm for reading with the kids.