Superintendent Heath Grimes visits Russellville Elementary School to read about one of his favorite presidents: Thomas Jefferson. Grimes used the opportunity during Read Across America Week to encourage students to enjoy biographies and autobiographies – his personal reading material of choice.

Hardly a childhood goes by without exposure to the lovable Cat in the Hat, created by the infamous “Dr. Seuss.” Last week, schools celebrated Theodor Seuss Geisel and the wonderful world he created with Read Across America Week, and Russellville Elementary School got in on the fun with special story times and dress-up days.

“The students and teachers at RES celebrate the entire week by participating in fun activities each day, usually calling for everyone to dress a certain way or wear something silly,” explained reading coach Melody Ferguson. “We invite guest readers from the community to come into our classrooms and read and interact with the students. It is a powerful way to generate excitement about reading.”

Natalie Bendall, RMS assistant principal, visits RES – where she was assistant principal last year – to read to students, sharing Seuss favorites with them.

Ferguson promoted the benefits of reading as stronger confidence, greater ability to think logically and increased motivation, curiosity and memory.

“Developing a passion for reading is crucial,” she said. “Being a reader leads to a productive, enriched life.”