Mayor Steven Fulop’s birthday wasn’t exactly the same day as Dr. Suess’, but the students of Mrs. Kenny’s 2nd grade class at Cornelia F. Bradford Elementary School didn’t mind celebrating both on March 2.
Sitting on the floor, the students waited in front of an empty chair for Mayor Fulop to arrive. They had planned to sing “Happy Birthday” for him, as well as to make him a birthday card.
Not only was he supposed to take part in this year’s Read Cross America, but he had celebrated his 38th birthday a few days earlier.
Unfortunately, a change of schedule did not allow Fulop to read for the kids as he has done at other schools in the past. Instead, they recorded their birthday song for mayoral aide Jennifer Morrill to carry back to play for the mayor later.
Mayor Fulop, who was born on Feb. 28, 1977, shared this weekend’s birthday with Dr. Seuss.
Morrill also read from “The Places You’ll Go,” which is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year.
“You have brains in your head,” Morrill read. “You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself any direction you choose. You’re on your own. And you know what you know. And YOU are the one who’ll decide where to go…”
Jersey idea went national
Read Across America began in New Jersey with a New Jersey Education Association (NJEA) member who organized a “birthday bash” to honor Dr. Seuss – perhaps the most famous children’s author in the world. The National Education Association picked up the idea. With the support of the National Council of Teachers of English and the International Reading Association — and celebrities from the worlds of sports, entertainment, politics and publishing — Read Across America has become a national event.
“There are a lot of morals to be learned in this book.” – Roberta Kenny
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The students all had their favorite Dr. Seuss book such as “The Cat in the Hat,” “The Grinch Who Stole Christmas” and “Green Eggs and Ham.”
“The Places You’ll Go” is a book filled with lessons for kids to learn, about making decisions and what to do when things go bad.
“You’ll get mixed up, of course, as you already know,” Morrill read. “You’ll get mixed up with many strange birds as you go. So be sure when you step. Step with care and great tact and remember that Life’s a Great Balancing Act. Just never forget to be dexterous and deft. And never mix up your right foot with your left.”
Trying to get a feeling for what the students learned, Morrill asked questions about the text.
“What happens if the way you pick is the wrong choice?” Morrill asked the kids. “You get back up and try again. One bad choice should not affect a person’s whole life, just as one bad test doesn’t mean you’re going to fail. The thing is to do better the next time.”
While the kids were looking forward to a visit from the mayor, teacher Roberta Kenny said this is part of a whole day of reading events, one more lesson in life.
“There are a lot of morals to be learned in this book,” she said.
Al Sullivan may be reached at asullivan@hudsonreporter.com.