Pomona Unified's Barfield Elementary celebrates reading

All week Pomona schools marked the birthday of children's book author Theodor Geisel with activities that included assemblies and visits from the Cat in the Hat.

Students at Barfield Elementary marked the start of activities with the first "Chalk Festival and Read Across America Kickoff" drawing about 100 children and parents to campus last Sunday (Feb. 28).

"We got such a positive response, and it was a neat way to kick off Read Across America" activities, said Barfield Principal Rosa Mendieta.

Geisel, better known to readers as Dr. Seuss, was born March 2, 1904. His birth date is now celebrated as Read Across America day - a day to celebrate the joy and importance of reading.

Barfield students created chalk art pieces on the school grounds and used their artistic abilities to give the campus a festive look for the start of the week of celebrations, Mendieta said.

As part of the Chalk Festival the 60 member-strong Barfield Dance Team, under the direction Lisa Cole, performed for parents and fellow students.

In addition to celebrating with visual and performing arts families took time to spend time reading together and doing so at school, Mendieta said.

The day had a dual purpose to instill in children an interest in reading and to let them and families know "that school is a fun place," Mendieta said.

School is a place where learning takes place as well as as a place where families can come together and create bonds around enjoyable activities, she said.