Daniels Run Elementary School Invites City and County Leaders to Celebrate Read Across America Day

Guest Readers Bring Favorite Books to Read to Elementary Students

Students at Daniels Run Elementary School (DRES) Celebrated
the National Education Association’s (NEA) “Read Across America Day” today with
guest readers from the city of Fairfax and Fairfax County Public Schools.
Students were encouraged to dress as their favorite Dr. Seuss character to
celebrate this day of reading. Readers such as Fairfax Mayor Scott Silverthorne,
city council members, city and county school board members and City of Fairfax
Superintendent Peter Noonan read to students ranging from kindergarten to sixth
grade. Organized by DRES librarian Robin Mathews, Read Across America Day celebrates the birthday of beloved children’s author Dr. Seuss.

“Our staff and students love celebrating each year on this day dedicated to reading for pleasure,” says Mathews. “There is nothing quite like seeing a class full of kindergarteners laughing along with one of our superintendents reading a humorous story or a class of 6th graders entranced by a fascinating biography read by a school board member. As a librarian, nothing brings me more joy than seeing adults from all walks of life willing to give this gift of time to our students.”

Created in 1998 by the NEA, Read Across America day was designed to get kids excited about reading. Schools across Fairfax County hold reading parties and family nights to share books, listen to stories and celebrate reading. DRES first Read Across America Day was held in 2001. Since then, the program has expanded. Today, DRES hosted over 70 guest readers.

“As we seek to support the love of literacy with each of our students, it means so much to us and our students to have members of the community come and express their enthusiasm for reading on Guest Reader Day,” says DRES principal Adam Erbrecht.  “Providing adult role models that students can see as life-long readers provides them with a new lens to see themselves as readers too.”

 “It was a pleasure participating in Reading across America at Daniels Run Elementary School,” said Mayor Scott Silverthorne.  “Life comes full circle when I'm back in my former elementary school to read to a new generation of kids. I appreciate the opportunity to join in a good cause.”