The National Education Association has one motto in celebration of Read Across America day: “You’re never too old, too wacky, too wild, to pick up a book and read with a child.” In honor of Theodor Seuss Geisel and his birthday, March 2 has become Read Across America day.</p><p>The NEA estimated that more than 45 million participants in the United States will be a part of this year’s 13th annual celebration, Los Baños included.</p><p>Vicki Castello, academic coach at Los Baños Elementary, played the part of the “Cat of the Hat” last week for Elizabeth Kissel’s kindergarten class. Kissel’s class is off track for the celebration so Castello paid an early visit to the students.</p><p>The NEA states on its Web site, www.NEA.org, that the purpose of Read Across America day is to motivate students to read, as it’s an important factor in student achievement and creating lifelong successful readers.</p><p>Castello agrees, which is why she’s participated as a character reader for the last few years.</p><p>“There is so much literacy you can teach when the characters come alive for students,” Castello said. “That’s my goal. I just want the passion of reading to come alive for the little darlings.”</p><p>Castello said she was upset that more schools in the district didn’t participate in the celebration.</p><p>“With budget cuts, they’re tightening their belts, but it comes to literacy, it makes me so sad,” Castello said. “I’m a volunteer. You can’t get more economical than free.”</p><p>Kissel said she was appreciative of Los Baños Elementary committing to the event.</p><p>“It’s a good example for the kids,” Kissel said. “It lets them know reading is fun.”</p><p>Kissel said she discusses Dr. Seuss with her students often because of the rhyming element, something she stresses at the beginning of the school year when students begin to read.</p><p>“The students had a really good time. They had so much to say in their journals after she left,” Kissel said.</p><p>Castello said she plans on continuing to read to students as either the Cat in the Hat or any other Dr. Seuss character for as long as she can.</p><p>“At the end of the day, why teach \[students\] to read if it’s not passionate,” Castello said. “I want them to love reading. And I know this is effective. Even when I retire, I can’t imagine that love ever leaving me. As long as the teachers will let me in, I will come and read.”</p><p>R.M. Miano Elementary School is also set to take part in their own set of activities in honor of Dr. Seuss later in the week.</p><p>Enterprise reporter Samantha Salas can be reached by phone at (209)388-6562 or by e-mail at ssalas@losbanosenterprise.com