ALABASTER- Students in Alabaster City Schools took time out of class to celebrate Read Across America Day on Thursday, March 2, and Friday, March 3.

Members of the THS Future Teachers of Alabama and selected athletes visited Thompson Intermediate School, Meadow View Elementary School and Creek View Elementary School on Thursday. During their visit, students read several Dr. Seuss books to the younger kids.

“We wanted to show the elementary school kids that big kids enjoy reading too, and that reading is cool,” FTA co-sponsor Audra Faust said.

On Friday, the THS FTA invited the children of several THS teachers to the school to read their favorite books during classes.

“Inviting the younger kids was an idea that our principal, Wesley Hester, had. My kids really liked it,” FTA co-sponsor Suzanne Clemons said.

Clemons said THS students usually visit younger students in the school system, but this is the first year that they have hosted younger guests. At least 10 kids participated.

“We want everybody to have a positive experience. So far everybody said they enjoyed it and want to do it again. Next year, we hope to invite more kids from our elementary schools,” Clemons said.

According to Clemons, Read Across America is an initiative from the National Education Association, and typically takes place on or around the birthday of famous children’s author Dr. Seuss.

THS librarians Gidget Gray and Grace Burgess read to special needs students and held a school-wide poll on the most popular Dr. Seuss book.

“It kind of takes them back to their childhoods and makes them thing about what books they’ve read,” Gray said.

Gray said her son, MVES second grader Brody McCaleb, was excited to be able to share his favorite books with older students.

“He felt proud. He loves reading, and he decided to bring two books instead of just one. He especially likes that the big kids were sitting there and listening to him, laughing and getting excited,” Gray said. “My son asked if older kids still read, and I said, ‘Of course! They enjoy it, too!”

Clemons said reading is important at all ages, and no one is too old or young to enjoy a good book.

“You have to continue reading in order to be a lifelong learner. This is a celebration that shows it’s not just important for the little kids, but for the older kids as well,” Clemons said.