Cozying up with a good book

Parents, grandparents and guardians reported to Harlan Elementary School on Wednesday, March 6, at 2 p.m., armed with blankets and snacks to read with their children for Read Across America week.

The students brought stacks of books, and families set up camp in classrooms, hallways and the gymnasium to get lost in a story together.

Read Across America is an annual reading motivation and awareness program for every child in every community to read on the birthday of beloved children's author Dr. Seuss, according to the National Education Association. Dr. Seuss' birthday is March 2. Harlan has been participating in Read Across America week for the past six years.

'As busy as life is, it's important to block out time to dedicate to education and reading,” said Brett Evanousch, stepdad to eight-year-old Abbygail Hummell.

Hummell was reading 'The Book With No Pictures” to Evanousch. 'It's really funny,” she said.

Harlan kicked off Read Across America week on Monday, March 4, by coloring their own bookmarks and decorating the doors of their classrooms with themes from Dr. Seuss books. They also brought their favorite Dr. Seuss book from home. On Thursday, March 7, they dressed up as their favorite Dr. Seuss character.

Jane Kinney, third grade teacher at Harlan, said Read Across America is a fun day for everyone. Students choose the books they read to their parents themselves.

Students whose parents aren't able to attend are paired with a volunteer or another teacher.

Michael Gossen, principal at Harlan, said that Read Across America is a chance to strengthen the community of the school by inviting parents to be a part of it. It encourages students to read with their parents, which they 'should be doing at home also,” he said.

Ricardo Aranda read with his two children Yareli Aranda, 8, and Ricardo Aranda Jr., 10.

'I like spending time with my kids,” Ricardo said.

Ricardo Jr. was reading the book 'Slacker,” a book about a beaver who likes to play video games with his friends.

'That's you, Ricardo,” Yareli said to her brother.

Yareli said her dad enjoys playing with her and her brother and spending time with them. They read together at home regularly, she said.

Asa Rose, 9, sat in a hallway at Harlan between his mother, Kelsey Rose and father Nick Rose. He was reading 'The Bald Bandit,” a story he hadn't gotten too far into but was intrigued by the mystery of just the same.

Kelsey said she took time off work to read with her son on Wednesday. 'My kids are important to me,” she said.

Aimee Shepherd read with her three sons Caleb, Ethan and Silas Shepherd. Caleb was reading a book called 'The New England Patriots Story,” from a football series Aimee said he brings home every week.

'I love being intentional about reading and having the opportunity to come into the school,” Aimee said.