BOOKTASTIC!

PALMER — Mat-Su Borough School District’s Machetanz and Tanaina Machetanz schools were among thousands of schools nationwide that took part in the annual March 2 Read Across America Day in celebration of Dr. Seuss’s birthday.

Machetanz teacher Robin Ouellette began organizing the annual event at her school when she taught at Tanaina Elementary a few years ago. And this year when she transferred to teach at the new Machetanz Elementary, she brought the loveable celebration of reading with her.

This year, more than 24 community members and Colony High Junior Reserve Officers Training Crops students spent part of the day sharing their love for reading with Machetanz students, Ouellette said.

“I just try to throw the net and catch whoever I can. Nobody’s safe,” Ouellette said.

Among those caught in Ouellette’s net were Mat-Su Borough Mayor Larry DeVilbiss and Wasilla Mayor Verne Rupright.

She said the week’s worth of reading-related activities was a way to help students experience having fun reading and a chance for community members to come inside the school and observe the learning taking place there.

Parents at the school joined in the fun, too.

Ouellette said Rapunzel and Mother Goose have children who attend the school, so they came in and read to students, too. And she said another mother brought in Jello jiggly eggs in celebration of “Horton Hatches a Who.”

“We just wanted to have a good time and encourage kids to read,” Ouellette said.

Cathy Ledbetter teaches a classroom of kindergarten and first-grade students; they are the Lady Bugs.

“The kids absolutely love having people come read to them,” she said. “I think it just makes a good connection with reading. It’s fantastic to see people come in and read to them.”

Contact Heather A. Resz at heather.resz@frontiersman.com or 352-2268.