Read Across America Week at West Pottsgrove

Photos submitted by West Pottsgrove Elementary School.

Children's author Kenneth McCloskey talks to West Pottsgrove students about reading.

Blogger's Note: The following post is a guest blog from West Pottsgrove Elementary Principal Terri Koehler. If you would like to submit a guest post, email it to ebrandt.pottsmerc.com

Heidi Mottin reads her book "Rescuing Reed,"
about a 

dog who just happens to be listening...

March 2, has become a very special day in schools across America as a celebration of reading.

This is all because March 2 is the birthday of beloved children’s author Dr. Seuss. 

The day has become known as Read Across America day across the country.

At West Pottsgrove Elementary, we used the entire week of Feb. 26 to March 2 to celebrate Dr. Seuss and reading across the building. 

We had daily spirit days such as Cat in the Hat Day, Crazy Sock Day and Oh the Places You Have Been to name a few. 

The cafeteria even served green eggs and ham one day. 

This was also in conjunction with our PTA Book Fair. 

On Thursday March 1, we welcomed children’s author Kenneth McCloskey to share some of his writing with the students. 

Mr. McCloskey read his book We Dig Worms and as a finale we had an earthworm race. 

Mr. McCloskey also shared his process of writing a nonfiction story. Students had the chance to pre-purchase his books and he autographed each and every one for the students. 

Mr. McCloskey also generously donated $2.00 per book purchased back to our PTA.

Also on March 1, we welcomed another author to our family reading night. This was an opportunity for families to celebrate literacy and to shop the book fair. 

We welcomed Heidi Mottin and Reed, her certified therapy dog. Heidi read her book Rescuing Reed to the students and their families and the children had an opportunity to meet Reed in person. 

The story Rescuing Reed is a great story for children reminding them that everyone has great potential to do great things.

We closed out our week on Friday March 2, with a celebration of Dr. Seuss and reading. 

We had many guest readers throughout the building and our second grade students all partnered with a kindergarten class to share favorite Dr. Seuss books.

We did not let Mother Nature deter our excitement about reading and the students had a wonderful time and had the chance to meet two authors up close and personal.

Kid's Author 'Chips' In for Read Across America Day

Photos Courtesy of West Pottsgrove Elementary School

Children's author Kathy Miller brought along her friend Chippy the Chipmunk for a visit to West Pottsgrove Elementary School on Read Across America Day.

Blogger's Note: The following was provided by West Pottsgrove Elementary Principal Terri Koehler

March 2 has become a big deal at West Pottsgrove Elementary School. 

March 2 is the birthday of beloved children’s author Dr. Seuss and is now celebrated in many schools as Read Across America. 

Green Eggs and Ham was on both the

reading menu and eating menu.

This year we were pleased to have award-winning author, Kathy Miller, join us for our celebration. 

Ms. Miller uses nature photography as the basis for her children’s stories about Chippy the Chipmunk. During her presentation Ms. Miller showed the children how she takes the photos, what makes a good photo and shared how the children could use a photo to “find their stories.” 

Ms. Miller also talked about wild birds and showed an example of how chipmunks build their burrows underground. Chippy the Chipmunk even made an appearance and greeted the children as they exited the assembly. 

Following the assembly, we hosted a lunch with Ms. Miller for the top readers in each classroom. 

During the lunch the children got to learn more about the work Ms. Miller does to build her stories. Following the lunch, Ms. Miller then spent the afternoon meeting with the students that had purchased her books and took time to autograph each and every one!

In addition to Ms. Miller’s visit, there were many more things going on in the building to celebrate reading and Dr. Seuss, including a choice of green eggs and ham for lunch! 

Students, teachers and parents all Read Across America on March 2.

There were classroom activities, special mystery readers and our second grade students read to our kindergarten students. 

It was capped off in the evening during our family night at the book fair. This was more than an opportunity for families to shop the book fair, West Pottsgrove believes in using this an opportunity to foster our love of reading and literacy with our families. 

Adopting a camping theme, West staff, volunteers, Terri. Minotto, Julie. Farris and Breanna Flora gathered children around a “campfire” and shared stories about camping. 

Following the stories, there were camping inspired crafts led by Christine Reisner, Jean Randall, Leah Quigley and Mrs. Tomaselli. Mrs. Harrison, building reading specialist, planned and organized all of the activities and events for the day. 

 The author visit and special lunch were made possible through the generosity of the West Pottsgrove PTA.

Oh the Books You'll Read

The Lincoln staff getting into the spirit of the day.

Courtland Yost, kindergarten, as the Cat in the Hat

OK, so this one is a little after-the-fact, but I didn't want to let it pass.

As anyone with children knows (and many without), March 2 was Read Across America Day, named in honor of the irrepressible Dr. Seuss.

At Pottstown's own Lincoln Elementary School (my neighborhood school!) the students and staff got into the spirit.

Principal Calista Boyer said "learning to read is one of the most important skills you need for success, enjoying reading will bring a lifetime of pleasure."

Whether it was the Cat in the Hat, Thing One and Thing Two, the Sneeches or the Lorax, or even the Grinch for that matter, Dr. Seuss would have felt right at home if he had stopped by Lincoln school on that day.

They say reading can brings things to life, but in this case, the folks at Lincoln brought to life what they had read.

And so, enjoy these photos of Lincoln's read spirit, conveyed by the equally irrepressible John Armato.

Jill Pluscht

Kiernan Welliever, Kindergarten

Kindergartener Michael Matos makes a good Grinch.

Kelly Mooney and Judy Friend as Sneeches

Owen Butler, Kindergarten

Hot Dogs, Gardens, Movies and More in the Core Neighborhood

National Night Out will be celebrated tonight at the park at

Chestnut and Washington Streets from 6:30 to 8 p.m.

Things are hopping in Pottstown's Core Neighborhood, thanks to the efforts of numerous organizations, including the Mosaic Community Land Trust and its Community Garden, Genesis Housing Corp., National Penn Bank and ArtFusion 19464.

-- Tonight, from 6:30 to 8 p.m., all will join forces for National Night Out, a nationwide anti-crime event designed to help neighbors get to know each other and watch out for each other.

To be held at the Chestnut Street Park, at the corner with Washington Street, the event will include free hot dogs, donated Rita's Water Ice, pretzels, popcorn, balloons, a bean bag toss, other kids games and a disc jockey providing music.

Information booths from the organizers will also be on hand.

-- This event follows on the heels of Free Movie Night Sunday, during which more than 100 people packed at Chestnut Street Park with a showing of the Dr. Seuss classic, "The Lorax."

"The day began with a balloon artist making dozens of animals, claws, hats and other neat things out of balloons. Children stood in line to get a chance at owning one of the wacky balloon items," wrote Community Garden Manager Laura Washington in the most recent newsletter.

"Then as the sun set, neighborhood families headed over to the snack table to get their treats and drink in hopes to take a seat right in front of the big screen."

-- As for the MOSAIC's Community Garden, down the block at 423 Chestnut St., not only has been chosen as a finalist for the 2013 Montgomery County Planning Commission Awards but the garden has also been nominated for an award from the Pennsylvania Horticulture Society Greening Project, Washington reports.

"The Planning Commission judges were very impressed with our garden and the PA Horticulture Society judges are planning to visit the garden in the next few week," she wrote in the garden's newsletter.

-- For those unlucky enough to miss out on getting a plot in the garden this year, fear not as work on creating a second garden at 615 Chestnut St. is underway right now.

-- An "All About Herbs" workshop will be held at the garden at 423 Chestnut St., during the Saturday, Aug. 10 "Work and Play Day."

"Tina will walk us through the many types of herbs grown in the wild and in our gardens. She will explain
culinary and medicinal uses of some of our most common herbs and lead a lesson on when and how to use them," wrote Washington.

-- On Saturday, Aug. 24 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., Learn how to set up your garden in a way that best for you and your plants! Uncover tips and tricks on how to keep pesky critters out (in a safe and natural way). Discover ways to keep your garden growing in the most productive and fruitful way long beyond the typical growing season! It's a great time learn and prepare for fall planting!

-- Look out for information about the garden's Produce Stand in The Mercury in the next few weeks. 

The children of the garden will be using the stand to sell produce and other goodies from the gardens and the art program. The proceeds will be used for additional youth programs/activities.