From coast to coast, more than 45 million readers, both young and old, are gearing up for the nation’s largest reading celebration—the National Education Association’s (NEA) Read Across America Day.

Here in Colquitt, parents, teachers, education support professionals, students and elected officials will be doing their part to deliver the very important reading message: Kids who read, and who are read to, do better in school and help build great public schools.

Launched years ago as a way to get kids excited about reading, NEA’s Read Across America has grown into a yearlong program that culminates every year on Dr. Seuss’s birthday on March 2. Miller County Elementary School will celebrate Read Across America on Tuesday, March 2. The students of MCES will be actively engaged in many fun and meaningful reading activities the month of February that will lead up to Read Across America Night at Miller County Elementary on March 2. This special event will begin at 6:00 in the school lunchroom.

Wacky Socks Day During the day, guest readers will be in the classrooms reading a book to the children. During that evening, our elementary chorus will perform, the library will host the Scholastic Book Fair, and The Cat in the Hat will be available for pictures. These are just a few of the exciting events that are planned for our children. Last week the students wore their Wacky Socks as a kick-off for our month celebration. Friday, February 12, will be Crazy Hat Day. The students may wear a crazy hat of their choice. Our students are also in a competition to collect coins to purchase books for our library. The class that raises the most money will be awarded a pizza party.

We hope everyone will participate and be a part of the flurry of reading excitement! You can get involved in supporting children’s literacy in our community by:

• Donating books to libraries, classrooms, and more.

• Encouraging your own children to pick up a book and read.

• Bringing your children to the public library.

• Volunteering to read to students in your child’s school.

• Being part of every aspect of your child’s education.

On March 2 join in the fun. You’re never too old, too wacky, or too wild to pick up a book and read with a child! Parents play a crucial role in the education of their children. For more information on this event, you may contact Dawn Shepard at the Miller County Elementary School at 758-4140. Ext. 7016.