What happens when Dr. Seuss’ birthday and National School Breakfast Week occur at the same time? A special celebration complete with green eggs and ham.
Several Garland ISD schools served the iconic meal March 2, not only to commemorate the literary legend, but also to promote the importance of eating breakfast. Armstrong Elementary even invited parents to partake with their students. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), along with Children at Risk and the Texas Hunger Initiative, visited Armstrong before school started to deliver a special message.
“School Breakfast Week is a reminder about the importance of getting a nutritious breakfast every day of the school year,” commented Eddie Longoria, USDA regional division director. “This year’s theme is ‘Make the Grade with School Breakfast.’ Studies have shown that students who eat a healthy breakfast have higher test scores, fewer visits to the nurse’s office and fewer disciplinary issues.”
Stephens and Toler elementaries kept the celebration going throughout the morning by partnering with United Way of Dallas to host Dr. Seuss Reading Day. During the event, guest storytellers read one of the author’s selections in each classroom. They then gifted the book to their audiences on behalf of United Way.
Freeman Elementary’s soiree stretched into March 3 with a special appearance by the Cat in the Hat. Each year, the National Education Association’s (NEA) Cat-A-Van tours the U.S., and this year, GISD was one of just four stops in Texas. The famous feline brought Thing 1 and Thing 2 to interact with students during a special assembly. Attendees also enjoyed read-alouds, singing, dancing and a meet-and-greet. Before leaving, the book characters awarded Freeman a $1,000 grant for its library.
“We want to promote literacy and a love of reading,” said Evelina Loya, NEA senior director for Texas and a GISD teacher. “Dr. Seuss makes reading fun, and the kids get so excited when they see Cat in the Hat. It is something they will remember forever. This event is a great opportunity not only for Freeman, but also for GISD to be recognized across the nation.”
