Macon County Schools welcomed in Read Across America Week with great enthusiasm. All of the schools were decorated with themes from Dr. Seuss, students and educators alike were dressed as characters from their favorite books.

The community support for the event was obvious, as hallways overflowed with parents and eager young readers.

The Macon County Beta Club shared their love of reading with students at Central Elementary and also at Fairlane Elementary schools on Friday, February 29.

Fairlane Elementary had a Three Little Pigs puppet show, a Cinderella skit, and a place to play with oobleck. Books were plentiful with Vertle the Turtle, One fish-Two Fish, Horton Hatches an Egg, Sneetches on Beaches, and the familiar to all Cat in the Hat.

Central Elementary had a special “cabin in the woods” on the gymnasium stage where Heather Gann shared the short story “Coat of Many Colors” and tapped a guitar while she sang the heartwarming tale of a girl receiving a multicolored patchwork coat sewn by the love of her mother.

Heather delved into the meaning of the song with the eager listening students.

The schools were decorated in bright colors celebrating the event. The Cat in the Hat and Clifford traveled in colorful costumes to Seusville to share the fun of reading.

Lafayette Elementary had special reading character Felicity Merriman from the American Girls series, and character Morgan Le Fay of the Magic Tree House book series as the magical librarian of Camelot.

Many of the 4th and 5th graders dressed in character parts for the special reading day at LES.

Westside Elementary had a book fair, computer lab, and a demonstration of the technologically advanced Smart Boards.

Special readers Mrs. Donna McCrory and Daniel Griggs entertained the students who attended the afternoon reading event.

Special readers' snacks were available at West Side Elementary, including River of Nobsk corn off the cobsk, Sneetch treats, Cat in the Hat crazy cookies, and Circus McGurkus pink lemonade. The computer lab was quite a hit, and many could see why the students are eager to go there twice a week to try out the technology.

Red Boiling Springs Elementary had special guest readers for the evening event. Tennessee Highway Patrol Trooper Gerald Carter took the time to share the love and benefit of reading. Vicky Humes also read to students, excited about the annual reading motivation and awareness event.

Many other Read Across America events were held to celebrate Dr. Seuss's birthday.

Thanks to the many readers, volunteers, educators and staff, Macon County Students got a boost of excitement and a rewarding foundation in a love of reading that will serve them well all their life.