February 2001 - Renton School District students will join millions of their peers across the country to celebrate the joy of reading on March 2, the birthday of Dr. Seuss. This nationwide reading party is part of the National Education Association's "Read Across America."

"All the research shows that when children read outside of school, they do better in school," says Nancy Osborn, president of the Renton Education Association. "Our goal is for every student from pre-school through high school to be in the company of a book on March 2."

Schools have planned numerous activities to encourage reading. Thomson Early Childhood Center will focus on early literacy development from March 5-9th. Each day will feature a special event, including guest readers. Tiffany Park PTA will host a silent auction on March 1 in conjunction with "Read Across America" and the school's open house. Other schools are hosting family reading nights and guest readers.