Verona and Cedar Grove Read Across America

Verona and Cedar Grove students will join with other children nationwide Friday to take part in Read Across America Day, district officials announced.

Read Across America is a program of the National Education Association and is celebrated on the school day closest to Dr. Seuss’s birthday, March 2. This year Read Across America Day is March 1.

“Being a youth services librarian, I work every day to promote reading to children,” said Natalie Cheetham, Youth Services Librarian 
for the Cedar Grove Free Public Library. “I believe that lifelong reading is vitally important to the success of our young people, and ultimately our future.”

“I appreciate the NEA’s Read Across America program because it garners national attention for a cause close to my heart; it demonstrates that reading can build communities, and most importantly, be fun,” she added.

The Cedar Grove Public Library will have a Dr. Seuss display and Cheetham will be visiting South End Elementary School to read to first graders.

South End School will also have many in-class activities, said Principal Brian Cavanagh.

Children will hear stories from students from the high school musical Beauty and the Beast, Cedar Grove Mayor Peter Tanella, Superintendent of Schools Dr. Gene Polles, as well as supervisors and principals.

At Brookdale Avenue School in Verona, Read Across America Day coincides with pajama day for spirit week.

“The kid's can bring a book, gather in their PJ's and all read together,” said Principal Richard Rampolla. “The whole school reads for 30 minutes on Friday morning.”

Verona Superintendent of Schools Steven Forte will also be reading to students on Thursday morning.

“I would encourage all parents and caregivers to celebrate the day by visiting the library and checking out a book to read to or with their child,” said Cheetham

Since the day coincides with Dr. Seuss’s birthday Cheetham recommends: 

• One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish or The Foot Book for children ages two to four.
• The Cat in the Hat and Green Eggs and Ham for children ages four to six.
• The Lorax and The Sneetches and Other Stories for children ages six and older.