Ontiveros Elementary Celebrates Read Across America in Santa Maria
SANTA MARIA, Calif. - Oh the places you’ll go when you pick up a book! At Ontiveros school, just take a look! The Cat In The Hat made reading so fun! And still there is more of what’s just begun!
Dr. Seuss' beloved children's book character visited Ontiveros Elementary as the school kicked off its weeklong literature celebration, Read Across America.
"Read Across America is a program that emphasizes reading. When Margaret Ontiveros was principal, we started inviting guest readers to come in and read to the students," said Theresa Sanchez, Ontiveros Elementary School’s office manager.
Special guests from the community participate every year, including police officers, firefighters, and city leaders, who visit classrooms to read books and interact with students.
"It's really good to meet with the students and discuss the importance of reading and furthering their education," said Sgt. Ruben Ramirez of the Santa Maria Recreation and Parks Department.
Read Across America, launched in 1998 by the National Education Association (NEA), is a nationwide literacy initiative aimed at promoting reading among children of all ages. Celebrated annually on March 2, in honor of Dr. Seuss' birthday, the program encourages a lifelong love of reading and highlights its role in academic success. Originally tied to Dr. Seuss, it has since evolved to feature diverse books, authors, and stories, ensuring all children see themselves represented in literature.
"It's connected to Dr. Seuss' birthday—not that we necessarily celebrate him, but we focus on the reading aspect of it," Sanchez said.
Longtime local event organizer Theresa Sanchez has announced her retirement but hopes the tradition will continue.
"It'll be my last one. Hopefully, the PTA will continue to support and take over this part of the program," she said.
Community guests help convey the importance of reading to elementary students, emphasizing it as a fundamental gateway to knowledge and success.
"I read I Can Read With My Eyes Shut! It has a great message at the end: if you have your eyes shut, you're not going to learn anything," Sgt. Ramirez said.
