Staff Report

Students at Solvang Elementary School participated in a virtual Read Across America Day event on March 2, with several local dignitaries reading over Zoom to several classes.

Solvang Mayor Charlie Uhrig read to his granddaughter’s second grade class over Zoom, as well as Santa Barbara County Fire Chief Matt Farris reading to the entire third grade class.

Solvang Mayor Charlie Uhrig read to his granddaughter’s second grade class at Solvang School.

“We had readers from the California Highway Patrol, UCSB Men’s Basketball team, teachers from the high school and other first responders reading to the kids which was great,” said Charlene Asmussen, third grade teacher at Solvang.

The day was established by the National Education Association (NEA) in 1998 to help get kids excited about reading. The day occurs each year on the birthday of beloved children’s book author Dr. Seuss, so a perfect way to celebrate is to don a Seussian hat and read one his famous tales, like One Fish Two Fish Red Fish Blue Fish.

On National Read Across America Day, students, teachers, parents, and community members around the nation come together to read books and celebrate the joy of reading.