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READ ACROSS AMERICA NEA's Read Across America, cont. from page 19 celebration. The students joined Monroe in reading Green Eggs and Ham and learning a new equation to keep them healthy: two minutes of brushing, two times a day and reading for 20 minutes equals a healthy body and mind. They also pledged with their principals, Dr. Rachel Saunders of Spitalny and Jane Ardell of Downs, to "read each day and night and promise to brush to keep their teeth white." But the students got really excited when the Cat in the Hat came out to join them. Posing for photos and handing out high fives, the Cat in the Hat topped off a great morning during which the schools received $1,000 each from Renaissance Dental for their school libraries. In addition to the funding, every student got a goody bag filled with a Dr. Seuss book, toothbrush, two-minute timer for brushing, and more. "The kids love this activity! They love their hats. They love their books. And they really like their toothbrush and their little timer," said Monroe. "It was a good day for thinking about reading and brushing your teeth and being healthy," added Victor, a student at Justine Spitalny Elementary School. 2 Local Associations Celebrate Read Across America AEA members and local associations motivated readers of all ages with exciting reading activities, sometimes week-long events, to create literacy awareness. Below are some activities celebrating Read Across America day in Arizona. Amphitheater Coronado student Rowan Gallo dressed as a cowboy to celebrate Love of Reading Week. Summer.13advo.indd 20 AEA member and librarian Suzan Brown reported about a "Love of Reading Week" at Coronado K-8. She dressed up as the Cat in the Hat for Friday announcements and gave out 500 free public library cards on library fun night. They kicked off the week of fun with a book fair on Monday, February 25. Tuesday they held a storybook parade and special person's breakfast. On Wednesday, guest readers read to classes. Students wore their favorite pajamas and brought a book for a read-a-thon on Thursday. Finally, on Friday students were invited to wear something they could read, a Roaring Reader T-shirt, a shirt that has words on it. Kyrene Elementary Kyrene EA member Wendy Hill says that Arizona storyteller Jim Cogan spoke to students at Kyrene de la Sierra. The Cat in the Hat also made an appearance to kick off their week-long Read Across America activities, inlcuindg having students fill out a reading log and a take part in a book walk. "Hometown heroes" also came into each classroom to read and discuss the importance of reading. Laird School ASU students in the NEA/AEA Student Program read to 1st-graders at Laird School in the Tempe Elementary School District. (Shown top next page) Tucson Retired TEA President Michael Gordy dressed up as the Cat in the Hat and read at Davidson, John B. Wright, and Corbett elementary schools. Past TEA President Luci Messing read at Soleng Tom school. 20 Summer 2013 x AEA Advocate 3/18/13 12:03 PM