Just mention his name and people smile. Although he was born more than a century ago, Theodor Seuss Geisel wrote books both children and adults still love to read.

So it’s no surprise the National Education Association chose his birthday, March 2, as National Read Across America Day. Since Dr. Suess’ birthday falls on a Saturday this year, students, faculty and guests at Boothbay Region Elementary School celebrated on Friday, March 1, capping a week of Dr. Seuss festivities.

Coordinated by Lisa Sharp of the school’s literacy lab, the event-filled week was spearheaded by kindergarten teacher Jessica Lessner. Each day focused on a different Dr. Suess book. As explained in the note sent home to families, “We will be doing something silly each day.”  

Kicking off the four-day program was Tuesday’s “Silly Sock Day” highlighting Suess’ "Fox In Socks." Wednesday was “Wacky Hat Day” calling attention to "The Cat In The Hat." Thursday’s book was "Who-ville," home of Horton and the Grinch and “Thrilling Hair Day” for BRES students.

Friday was based on "Oh The Places You’ll Go." Students could “Dress like what you’d like to be when you grow up.” While the whole school was invited to celebrate the events, students in pre-kindergarten through grade two were the focus, according to Sharp.

Adding to Friday’s excitement were 17 guest readers. Among these were Mark Gorey’s advanced placement literature class of four high school seniors: Henry Drapeau and Riley Sullivan of Boothbay Harbor; Savannah Sedivy of Boothbay and Lilley Harris of Southport, who arrived in the morning to sit with individual classes and read books.

Other community members also came to BRES to read throughout the day and the 13 volunteers included two members of the CSD school committee, Peggy Splaine and Bruce MacDonald. Brenda Blackman and Cathy Latter of the First National Bank in Boothbay Harbor and Alternative Organizational Structure (AOS) 98 Superintendent Keith Laser. Also volunteering to read were Jeannie Dotson of Bath Savings Institution, Leisha MacDougall of Harbor Tech, Larry Brown and Bob Hasch of the Boothbay Harbor Police Department, retired BRES teacher Donna Maxim, and community members Lois Glaser and Georgia Ireland.

“By the end of the day, all students in pre-K through fourth grade and Toby Leconte’s class will have been read to,” said Sharp.

School librarian Joan Chatterton hosted a Dr. Seuss quiz for older students with facts about the author. She noted Seuss wrote 44 books; his first, "And to Think That I Saw It on Mulberry Street," was published in 1937.

For young students, the books create “phonological awareness,” according to Sharp. “Children learn how language sounds by rhyming and breaking it into syllables.” The Dr. Seuss day has been taking place at the school for at least 20 years, according to reading lab educational technician Janice Cotier. Sharp said this was the first year for “spirit week.”

“We want to inspire a love of reading among children by seeing adults they love reading to them,” Sharp explained. “We greatly appreciate all of the volunteers and high school seniors who came to read. We wouldn’t have the event without them,” Sharp said.