MANCHESTER – The school district recently recognized Dr. Seuss and the love of reading, featuring a line-up of guest readers who helped celebrate Read Across America Day.
Read Across America is a nationwide event dedicated to promoting the joy and importance of reading especially among children, by making it a fun, national event that encourages everyone to pick up a book, often coinciding with author Theodor Geisel, (a beloved children’s author whose pen name is Dr. Seuss) on his March 2, birthday. The day was established by the National Education Association (NEA) in 1998 to help get kids excited about reading to leverage his beloved books.
Several schools in Manchester observed the day that was filled with surprise visits, engaging stories, and meaningful connections that brought books to life for students across the district.
Classrooms buzzed with excitement as students were treated to mystery readers from across the community. Guest readers included Superintendent Diane Pedroza and former Superintendent David Trethaway.
“We are so fortunate to have a community that truly shows up for our students. Seeing our school and community leaders, first responders, military neighbors, families, and staff all come together to share their love of reading with our students sends a powerful message that literacy matters,” Pedroza said.
“Read Across America is such an important reminder of the power of literacy,” Mayor Joseph Hankins, another featured reader, remarked. Taking the day off from his full-time job, the mayor visited all three of Manchester’s elementary schools to promote the importance of reading and lifelong learning.
He started at Whiting Elementary School, where he read to two classes and then traveled to Ridgeway Elementary School to read to two additional classes before concluding his day at Manchester Township Elementary School, where he visited three classrooms.
The mayor shared with students how strong reading skills not only help them succeed in school, but also empower them to become informed citizens and future leaders. He spoke about how reading builds confidence, sparks creativity, and lays the foundation for personal and professional growth.
Throughout the day, students questioned him about his responsibilities, township projects, and how local government works. He said he enjoyed engaging with the children, encouraging them to stay curious, work hard, and continue exploring the world through books.
“Reading is the key that unlocks knowledge, opportunity, and imagination. Spending time with our students and seeing their excitement for learning was truly inspiring,” Hankins added.
Mayor Hankins said, “participating in Read Across America here in Manchester was truly a memorable and meaningful experience. It was a joy to sit down with our students, share a story, and see their imaginations come to life.”
“The excitement and enthusiasm in each classroom were contagious, and the warm welcome I received made the visit even more special. Programs like this remind us how important literacy is to a child’s future and how fortunate we are to have such dedicated teachers and staff nurturing that love of learning every day,” the mayor added.
During his time at Whiting Elementary School, (WES) he and his confidential aide Judy Noonan got a lesson on that school’s history from Principal Evelyn Swift who told them that WES was originally known as the Franklin Schoolhouse which was built at 95 Lacey Road in 1871. The current Whiting Elementary School opened on Manchester Boulevard in 1954.
“I am a Manchester Township High School graduate and started my career here in 1993. Prior to being appointed principal of Whiting School I served as MTHS vice principal for five years and 10 years as a Manchester Township Middle School English teacher,” Swift said.
“I have proudly served ‘the little school with the big heart’ for 13 years and attended kindergarten here. We love our students and community,” the principal added.
Several Board of Education members, school principals, family members, and community partners also served as guest readers. Students were also thrilled to welcome members of the Manchester Township Police Department whose officers read to the classrooms, and, at Ridgeway Elementary, students were treated to meet their K9 partner and learn about their jobs in the township.
Also seen across the classrooms were Manchester’s military neighbors from Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst. All the featured readers brought along their favorite stories and personal reflections on the importance of reading. The surprise element kept students eagerly guessing who would walk through the door next, adding an extra layer of fun and anticipation to the day.
Throughout the celebrations, students asked thoughtful questions, and engaged in conversations about stories, characters, and the role reading plays both in school and in everyday life. These visits highlighted partnerships between Manchester schools and the broader community.
School administrators and teachers noted that by opening classrooms to guest readers, the schools celebrated more than just books, they celebrated imagination, curiosity, and lifelong learning.
